Triggering factors for diabetic foot in patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: diabetes mellitus constitutes a public health problem worldwide characterized by its high rate of morbidity and mortality, high costs and chronic complications.

Objective: to determine the factors associated with the appearance of diabetic foot in diabetic patients.

Material and method: an observational case-control study was carried out to determine the influence of some risk factors that lead to a diabetic foot in diabetic patients at the Asdrúbal López Vázquez Polyclinic, Guantánamo in 2019. The universe of study was It was made up of a total of 52 diabetic patients, belonging to the two basic work groups of the polyclinic, and a group called control was also consigned, consisting of 104 diabetic patients included in the same health area and study period.

Results: age over 50 years (p = 0,05),), smoking habit (p = 0,01), hypercholesterolemia (p = 0,02), obesity (p = 0,03), hypertension were significant in a bivariate way. Blood glucose (p = 0,02), lack of glycemic control (p = 0,01), non-adherence to hypoglycemic treatment (OR = 0,01), onychomycosis in the feet (p = 0,01) and use of inappropriate footwear (p = 0,02).

Conclusions: diabetics over 50 years of age, who present an increase in their body weight above normal, and an inadequate control of glycemia, are more likely to suffer from diabetic foot. Therefore, all the necessary hygienic-dietetic measures must be taken to avoid the appearance of this complication and thus extend the life of these patients.