Prevalence of diabetic foot disorders and related risk factors among Egyptian subjects with diabetes.

Introduction: Multiple pathologies including diabetic neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and infection contribute to lower extremities amputation in diabetes.

Aim: We examined the prevalence of diabetic foot problems and related risk factors in Egypt.

Subjects And Methods: Between July 2008 and December 2009, 1000 male and 1000 female consecutive adult patients with diabetes (≥ 18-year-old) attending the Alexandria University Diabetic Foot Screening Clinic were surveyed for history/presence of foot ulcers and/or amputations, skin/nail changes, joint mobility, sensory neuropathy (10 g-Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) using Ankle Brachial Index (ABI).

Results: The majority of patients had type 2 diabetes (96.75%) with a mean age of 57.30 ± 10.47 years and a mean disease duration of 11.76 ± 8.26 years. The mean body mass index was 32.84 ± 6.31 kg/m(2) with 29.55% being current or ex-smokers. In these subjects, 4.4% had a past history of non-traumatic amputation (male:female: 6.2% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001); 6.1% had past history (10.3% vs. 7%, p = 0.009) and 8.7% had active foot ulceration (8.1% vs. 4.1% p < 0.001) with a male preponderance. The prevalence of sensory neuropathy was 29.3% (M:F: 30.7%: 27.9%) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) was 11% (M:F 11.8%:10.2%). Diabetic foot complications were associated with disease duration (p < 0.001), history of coronary artery disease (p = 0.001), stroke (p = 0.009), PVD (p < 0.001), laser photocoagulation (p < 0.001), sensory neuropathy (p < 0.001) and renal replacement therapy (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, diabetes duration, foot fissures, Charcot's foot, limited joint mobility, PVD and sensory neuropathy remained independently associated with diabetic foot disorders.

Conclusion: In Egypt, a mosaic of risk factors contributes to the high prevalence of diabetic foot disease in type 2 diabetes. These findings call for regular assessment of vascular, neuropathic and skin status to prevent these serious foot complications.