Aetiology of diabetic foot ulceration

A prospective study of 150 diabetic patients was undertaken with the aim of determining the factors associated with the development of foot ulcerations. Seventy five patients had foot ulceration and 75 had no foot lesions. Peripheral (78.7%) and autonomic (38.7%) neuropathy were more commonly found in the "ulcer" group, as were vascular insufficiency (49.3%) and hyperlipidaemia (60%). Renal failure (9.3%) and ketoacidosis (20%) were also commoner in patients with foot ulceration. Most, if not all, of the aetiological factors are related to prolonged uncontrolled hyperglycaemia.