Evaluation of clinical aspects related to lower limb amputation among individuals living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Mexico

Introduction: Diabetes continues to be a leading cause of disability and death in the world's population. About 25% of people with diabetes will develop an ulcer in one of their lower pelvic limbs. Objective: The present study evaluates the clinical aspects related to lower pelvic limb amputation in a cohort of patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study, conducted in collaboration between the Mexican Institute of Social Security and the School of Pharmacy of the Autonomous University of Morelos State, involved a review of records of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at the Regional General Hospital "Ignacio García Téllez". One hundred clinical and electronic records were selected based on inclusion criteria, which included age over 18 years, affiliation at the study site, diabetes evolution of at least 10 years, pharmacological treatment for diabetes and diagnosis of diabetic foot with complete healing or amputation as an outcome. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA and ethical approval was obtained. Results: Patients with optimal glycemic control by quantifying their fasting glucose levels (<130 mg/dl) as well as their glycated hemoglobin values (< 7%) had a lower frequency of amputations (p˂0.001; Chi2) compared to those patients without adequate glycemic control. Conclusions: Being male, glycosylated hemoglobin values greater than 7% and mean fasting glucose values greater than 130 mg/L were found to increase the likelihood of having a lower extremity amputation.