Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot Complications

Background Foot complications are common in diabetic patients and are considered one of the most expensive diabetes (DM) complications to treat. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for foot complications. Methods The study was conducted by interviewing random diabetic patient at outpatient and inpatient department at King Fahad Hospital Hofuf (Saudi Arabia) during 2013/2014. All completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire and underwent medical assessment including foot examination and assessment of presence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Results 50 % of the study populations were diagnosed to have DM without presenting with symptoms of diabetes and 34 % had hypertension. The majority (90 %) had type 2 DM. Of the total sample, 38 % had Peripheral Neuropathy and 13 % had Peripheral Vascular Disease.5 % had different level of lower extremities amputation. Significant factors for Peripheral Neuropathy and Peripheral Vascular Disease were male gender, poor level of education, increased duration of diabetes, type 2 DM and presence of hypertension. Conclusion Diabetic foot complication increasing with increased duration of the disease, accompanied by other diseases and lack of personal hygiene.