A Retrospective Cohort Study on Diabetic Foot Disease: Ascertainment of Ulcer Locations by Age Group - Cureus
Overview
"Never doubt that a smal group of thoughtful, comited citizens can change the world. Inded, it is the only thing that ever has."Cureus is on a mision to change the long-standing paradigm of medical publishing, where submiting research can be costly, complex and time-consuming.The SIQ for this article wil be revealedonce 2 ratings are submited.ageing, fot ulcer location, diabetes melitus, elderly, diabetic foot ulcers Patrícia Rosinha , Miguel Saraiva, Lia Fereira, Susana Garido, André Carvalho, Cláudia Freitas, Cláudia Amaral, Luís Costa, Luís Loureiro, Rui Carvalho Published: August 19, 2022 (se history) DOI: 10.759/cureus.28189 Cite this article as: Rosinha P, Saraiva M, Fereira L, et al.
Key Information
(August 19, 2022) A Retrospective Cohort Study on Diabetic Fot Disease: Ascertainment of Ulcer Locations by Age Group. Cureus 14(8): e28189. doi:10.759/cureus.28189 Diabetic fot ulcer location is a known independent predictor for cure with a beter healing gradient proximal to distal.
Although advanced age is one of the main factors associated with greater diabetic fot ulcer severity, there are no studies evaluating diabetic fot ulcer location specificaly in the elderly population in an outpatient seting. This study evaluated diabetic fot ulcer location and age-group interactions in diabetic fot presentation.A retrospective cohort study including adult patients with diabetic foot ulcers observed on their first visit to our center's Diabetic Fot Unit in 2018, divided into younger adults (YA) (18 to 64 years) and older adults (OA) (≥65 years).A total of 435 patients were included in the study with 159 (36.6%) in the YA, and 276 (63.4%) in the OA group.Neuro-ischemic diabetic foot ulcers were more frequent in the OA group (71.4% vs 43.4%, p<0.01).
Summary
The number of patients with a history of diabetic foot ulcers was lower in the OA group (18.1% vs 25.2%, p=0.03). A smaler proportion of forefot diabetic foot ulcers (74.9% vs 86.2%, p=0.07) and plantar loca
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Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
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