Factors contributing to the development of diabetic foot ulcers and role of health literacy

Objective To determine factors contributing to the development of diabetic foot ulcers and the role of health literacy in our set up. Patients and Methods This descriptive observational study was conducted in the department of Medicine Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from September 2008 to August 2010. One hundred diabetic patients with diabetic foot ulcers were studied. Detailed history, clinical examination and relevant investigations were performed. Results Out of 100 patients, 63were male and 37 female. Duration of diabetes was more than 10 years in 91% of cases. Poor glycemic control was observed in 69% of cases, hypertension in 33%, dyslipidemia in 61%, neuropathy in 86%, ischemia in 72%, foot deformity in 46%, accidental/ foot ware-trauma in 36%, foot infection in 91%, neglected foot in 78%, obesity in 13% and lack of health literacy in 50%. Conclusion There were multiple contributing factors in patients with foot ulcer. Early and timely management is required to reduce its incidence.