Examination Findings of Type 2 Diabetes Patients’ Feet with and without Ulcers

Abstract

Objective: We conducted this study to determine the factors that cause foot ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with or without diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study compared the feet examination results of 43 Type 2 DM patients with or without DFU. The study data were collected using a patient identification form and a diabetic foot examination form. Data are presented as percent, mean, and standard deviation. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used for statistical analysis. The statistical significance level was taken as p<0.05. Results: Of the patients, 63% were male, 79% were married, their mean age was 63.16±9.43, and the mean diabetes year was 18.44±7.77. 74% of the patients had a previous DFU. Of the existing DFU, 58% were on the right foot, 49% were on the toes, 49% were Wagner grade 2, and 37% were infected. There was edema and warmth in the DFU foot (p<0.05). DFU foot had a weaker sense of touch and vibration than the other. Ankle-Brakial Index was below 0.9. Foot pulses were weak, and there were deformities. Conclusion: Patients with DFU feet have an increased risk of recurrent ulcer formation. These patients should be followed periodically and educated about ulcer formation and signs and symptoms of infection.