Burden of diabetic foot syndrome in rural community: Need for screening and health promotion

CONTEXT: Living with diabetes can be difficult since it can affect the patient in many ways. Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is described as a group of symptoms where neuropathy reduced blood supply and infection leads to tissue breakdown and morbidity. AIM: This study aims to determine the prevalence of DFS and associated sociodemographic and treatment-related factors among adults living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a rural community. SETTING AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an area under the rural health training centre of department of Community Medicine. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The study was conducted to determine DFS by measuring neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease using Michigan neuropathy screening instrument, and clinical examination. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data collected was analyzed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: The prevalence of DFS among those with type 2 diabetes mellitus was high (51.7%). DFS was associated with advanced age (>75 years), duration of diabetes for more than 5 years and with foot ulcer. Smoking and alcohol consumption were not associated with DFS. CONCLUSION: Half of those with diabetes had DFS. People with DFS were more likely to be older and living with diabetes for longer duration. This underscores the need for early identification of DFS by the primary care physicians. Further research on the role of health professionals at the primary care level in educating and screening DFS in people with diabetes are required.