Describing Normative Foot Temperatures in Patients With Diabetes-Related Peripheral Neuropathy

Area of Science:

• Diabetology
• Neurology
• Podiatry

Background:

• Increased foot temperature is a known predictor of diabetes-related foot complications.
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) affects foot temperature regulation.
• Understanding normative foot temperatures in DPN is crucial for developing preventative technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normative skin foot temperatures in individuals with DPN.
• To identify potential risk factors associated with foot temperature changes in DPN patients.
• To inform the development of new technologies for preventing diabetic foot complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of adult patients with diabetes and DPN.
• Pedal digital thermometry data collected between 2009 and 2018.
• Univariate modeling analyzed covariates including age, peripheral arterial disease, smoking history, and seasonality.

Main Results:

• Mean toe temperature: 27.67°C, forefoot: 28.58°C, midfoot: 29.21°C, rearfoot: 29.88°C.
• Seasonality showed a negative correlation with toe and metatarsal temperatures (p < .05).
• Midfoot temperature correlated positively with small fiber symptoms (p = .03), and rearfoot temperature with smoking pack-years (p = .03).

Conclusions:

• Established normative foot temperatures for DPN patients.
• Identified inverse association between seasonality and toe/metatarsal temperatures.
• Highlighted potential correlations between smoking history and foot temperatures, warranting further research for diabetic foot ulcer and Charcot neuroarthropathy prevention.