Association between anemia and the risk of diabetic foot ulcer: A meta-analysis

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes mellitus, and anemia is commonly observed in diabetic patients. However, the relationship between anemia and the risk of developing DFUs remains unclear.

To investigate the relationship between anemia and the risk of DFUs in diabetic patients through a meta-analysis.

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify studies that reported the co-occurrence of anemia and DFUs in diabetic patients. The primary outcome was an association between anemia and DFU risk, expressed as odds ratios (ORs). Secondary outcomes included the risk of DFU per 1-g/dL decrease in hemoglobin and the difference in hemoglobin levels between patients with and without DFU. Statistical analyses were performed using random-effects models to account for heterogeneity.

Sixteen studies involving 170,949 diabetic patients were included in the analysis. The results indicated a significant association between anemia and an increased risk of DFUs (eight studies, n = 166173, OR: 2.72, 95%CI: 1.73-4.25, P < 0.001; I ² = 93%). Subgroup analyses supported consistent findings across various patient characteristics, analytic models, and study quality scores (P for subgroup differences, all > 0.05). Additionally, each 1-g/dL decrease in hemoglobin was associated with an excess risk of DFUs (four studies, n = 2543, OR: 1.65, 95%CI: 1.21-2.27, P = 0.002; I ² = 68%). Furthermore, diabetic patients with DFUs exhibited significantly lower hemoglobin levels compared to those without DFUs (nine studies, n = 3986, mean difference: -2.13 g/dL, 95%CI: -2.58 to -1.68, P < 0.001; I² = 90%).

Anemia can be associated with an increased risk of DFUs in diabetic patients. Monitoring and managing anemia in diabetic population may help mitigate the risk of DFUs, emphasizing the need for early interventions. Further research is required to investigate the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.