Diabetic Foot Complications: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Vascular Surgery
• Podiatry

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue causing significant morbidity and mortality.
• Diabetic patients frequently develop foot complications, including infections, ulcerations, and gangrene.
• Diabetic foot ulcers are a leading cause of lower limb amputations, affecting approximately 50% of cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and characterize diabetes-related foot complications in a cohort of 69 patients.
• To identify key patient demographics and common lower extremity complications.
• To highlight the impact of complications and the potential for prevention.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 69 patients with diabetes-related foot complications.
• Characterization of patient demographics (age, sex, location).
• Documentation of lower extremity complications, surgical interventions, and adverse outcomes.

Main Results:

• The study cohort comprised older patients (mean age 66), with a higher incidence in males and a predominantly urban population.
• The most frequent complications were lower extremity ulcerations and gangrene.
• Significant patient burden included 35% requiring surgical reintervention, 27% experiencing complications, and 13% needing ICU admission.

Conclusions:

• Diabetic foot disease presents common, complex, and costly challenges, often leading to severe outcomes like amputation.
• Simple preventive measures can significantly reduce the incidence of foot amputations in diabetic individuals.
• Early identification and appropriate medical/surgical management are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing the burden of diabetic foot disease.