Surveillance of risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration with particular concern to local practice.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem with rising prevalence worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is a multisystem disease affects many systems and tissues. Foot problems are not uncommon with diabetes and foot ulceration is one of theses problems. Risk factors for foot ulcerations may differ from community to community based on many factors.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration among Saudi diabetic patients with type 2 diabetes attending primary care center.

METHODOLOGY: Cross sectional study was designed. Four hundred subjects were selected randomly. Inclusion criteria were settled. Three hundred and fifty subjects (350) were participated. Especial assessment form was designed. Data was collected and analyzed using SPPS ver 14.

RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty subjects were participated (57% male and 43% female). The prevalence of peripheral vascular disease was 15%, hulux vulgus 22.5%, inappropriate foot wear 41%, peripheral neuropathy 47.5%. Peripheral neuropathy and inappropriate foot wear were the commonest risk factors for foot ulceration.

CONCLUSION: Peripheral neuropathy and inappropriate foot wear were the commonest risk factors for foot ulceration.