An Approach to Diagnosis and Management of Diabetic Foot in The Indian Population

Abstract

Introduction: The problem of the Diabetes is worldwide, and India is one of the major countries affected by it. One such common example seen among diabetics is Diabetic foot ulcer which affects nearly 12 % of the patients and one of the major causes of morbidity among them. Treatment includes thorough wound management, good microbiological control using appropriate antibiotics and strict glycemic control and lifestyle changes. Many recent approaches like vacuum dressing, platelet derived growth factors, larval therapy have revolutionized the management of diabetic foot. Hence the present study has been undertaken to evaluate modes of presentation and management protocols and predisposing factors in diabetic foot. Methodology: An observational and prospective Hospital based Study was conducted in a Tertiary care hospital from January 2019 to June 2019. A total of 50 patients with Diabetes Mellitus and suffering from diabetic foot ulcer admitted in the department of surgery were included in the study. . Ethical clearance was taken from Institutional Ethical Review Board. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS v20 for frequencies, mean, SD and chi square test. Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the study. The age of the patients ranged from 45 to 78 years in our study. The mean age was 62+12.7 years. The males were 35 (70%) and 15 (30%) females. The Cellulitis (40%) was the most common modes of presentation of the diabetic foot ulcer in our study followed ulcer presentation (36%), abscess seen in 9 (18%) cases and gangrene in 6% of cases. Conclusions: Diabetic patients have always suffered from complications affecting the lower limbs. If foot complications are detected early, it can reduce the chances of amputation. Education regarding foot care and early signs of neuropathy play a vital role in the prevention of recurrence.