Micronutrient status in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Patients with diabetes are at risk for developing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). It is recognized that type 2 diabetes (T2D) is distinguished by the loss of vitally important micronutrients because of the metabolic nature of this disease and its associated complexities.

This study was performed to determine the level of micronutrients in patients with DFUs in Saudi Arabia. From February to May 2022, this descriptive study was conducted, adopting the cross-sectional design and a group of 88 patients with T2D.

Applying the convenience sampling method, this study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data collection was conducted through a standard questionnaire, and details regarding the demographic variables and micronutrient deficiency were collected.

Among the nutritional deficiencies identified, the one with the highest frequency was vitamin D, observed in 43.2% of the patient population; after vitamin D, in order of descent, were low ferritin levels (29.5%), B12 (13.6%), and the folic acid deficiency (12.5%). Folic acid showed a statistically significant difference among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) (P = 0.041). Moreover, vitamin B12 showed a significant association among patients who have charcot foot (P = 019) and previous amputation (P = 0.029).

Vitamin B12 deficiency is significantly associated with patients who had an amputation; having charcot foot and folic acid revealed a vital relationship among patients with DFUs having CVD. Comprehensive research is a pressing need to enable deeper awareness of micronutrient deficiencies in patients with diabetes.