Patterns and risk factors of diabetic foot ulcers among elderly patients

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers are a critical complication that can lead to hospitalization and amputation in elderly patients. Aim: The study aimed to assess the patterns and risk factors of diabetic foot ulcers among elderly patients. Subjects and Methods: A case-control research method was used to conduct this study at Menofia University hospital and Elqesr Elane hospital, Shebeen Elkom, Egypt, from March to June 2022. Subject: Patients were selected and divided into two groups (group I: 50 patients with DFU and group II: 50 patients without DFU). Tools of data collection: I: interviewing questionnaire. Tool (II): Ten rules of the foot care questionnaire Tool (III): Meggitt–Wagner classification. (IV): Diabetic neuropathy symptom (DNS) scores. Results: Studied elderly mean age was 66.81±7.55. Rural residence (60%), illiteracy (52%), no work (70%), smoking (50%), history of DFU (58%), callus (74%), cracked skin (58%), poor foot care (78%), lack of protective sensation (78%), lack of peripheral pulse (50%), elevated blood glucose (199.54±71.08), and increased BMI (29.35 ± 7.52), all were significant risk factors for DFUs in this study. Conclusion: The current study concluded that illiteracy, rural residence, no work, smoking, obesity, callus, cracked skin, foot deformity, uncontrolled blood glucose, previous history of DFU, absent distal pulse, loss of protective sensation, and lack of proper foot care were all of the most risk factors for DFUs in this study. Recommendations: Design educational programs for the elderly with diabetes about foot care and risk factors for DFU regularly.