Diabetic Foot Complications in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Diabetology
• Vascular Medicine
• Podiatry

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent chronic condition in Saudi Arabia.
• Diabetic foot (DMF) represents a severe complication of diabetes, leading to significant morbidity.
• Understanding DMF complications is crucial for patient management and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify common complications in patients with diabetic foot (DMF).
• To conduct a demographic analysis of chronic diabetic complications associated with DMF.
• To investigate the prevalence of vascular issues in DMF patients.

Main Methods:

• A study of 100 patients with DMF at a Jeddah clinic.
• Assessment of foot complications including ulcers, gangrene, and deformities.
• Utilized B-mode ultrasound and Doppler imaging to assess tibial arteries.

Main Results:

• Foot ulcers (81%), amputations (31%), and gangrene (29%) were most common.
• Hypertension and anemia were prevalent comorbidities.
• Significant rates of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy were observed.

Conclusions:

• Diabetic foot is common in older males with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
• Amputations, gangrene, ulcers, and deformities are leading complications.
• DMF is associated with microvascular and macrovascular complications, hypertension, and anemia.