Deficiencies in nutritional intake in patients admitted with diabetes‐related foot complications

Abstract

AbstractAim: Adequate nutritional intake is an essential component for timely wound healing. The present research aimed to identify the frequency of inadequate dietary intake, including the specific nutritional elements most frequently lacking, in a group of patients admitted with diabetes‐related foot complications.Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to a diabetic foot unit underwent a dietary assessment, which included the retrospective collection of a seven‐day food history for the period just prior to admission. The collected data were entered into FoodWorks, and comparisons were made with recommendations made by national guidelines.Results: Thirty‐five patients underwent nutritional assessment, 74% male and 26% having impaired renal function. Protein consumption was in excess of daily recommended intake, and although the overall fat intake as a percentage of total calories consumed was in keeping with national guidelines, the intake of saturated fat was inappropriately high. Of the 12 micronutrients assessed, niacin and vitamin C were appropriately consumed by all; average intake of potassium, phosphorus and thiamine approached recommended levels, while the intake of magnesium, calcium, zinc, riboflavin, folate and vitamin A all fell short of recommended daily requirements. No dietary differences were identified between individuals with normal and abnormal renal function, but deficiencies in calcium and iron were identified only in women.Conclusion: Dietary deficiencies of macronutrients were not identified in individuals admitted with diabetes‐related foot complications, but many patients were found to be consuming well below the daily recommended daily intake of one or more of the micronutrients deemed necessary for normal wound healing.