Does the Acquirement of Knowledge Prevent Diabetes- Related Foot Problems?

Salma B Galal,Kholoud Al-Ali

doi:10.4172/2472-1654.100010

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes related foot problems are one of the complications leading to poor quality of life, hospitalization, disability, economic burden and mortality. Patients’ self-management of diabetes need support from health providers. Patient education and follow-up are important elements of communication for health providers. Methods and objectives: This case control study compares 199 diabetes patients with diabetes-related foot problems (cases) and those without (196 controls) to find out whether the acquired knowledge or the follow up visits to the Family Health Centers prevent foot problems. Results and conclusions: The results suggest that being on insulin therapy, forgetting to take medication and reduced attendance to the health care center are risks for foot problems. Although the level of knowledge acquired is satisfactory, there is a gap between knowledge level and attitude / practice. A relative high knowledge did not have impact on reduction of obesity or glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C). Some knowledge items such as risk related to diabetes complications need to be stressed on. The education of people with diabetes needs to address more knowledge gaps and to link to patients’ attitudes and practices.

Highlights

Diabetes related foot problems are one of the complications leading to poor quality of life, hospitalization, disability, economic burden and mortality
There is no difference between the case and control groups regarding body mass index (BMI); over half of both groups are obese and severely obese
People with diabetes related foot problems have a satisfactory level of knowledge there are important gaps in knowledge regarding risk factors associated with foot complications

Summary

Introduction

Diabetes related foot problems are one of the complications leading to poor quality of life, hospitalization, disability, economic burden and mortality. Almost one tenth of the world population has diabetes. It was the cause of around 1.5 million deaths in 2012, with over 80% of them occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The Sustainable Development Goals set a target to reduce the deaths attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third, including diabetes, by 2030 [1,2,3]. Arab countries have the highest diabetes prevalence rates [4]. With a diabetes prevalence rate of 23%, Kuwait has one of the highest rates of the world. Raising the awareness of people with type 2 diabetes as part of prevention is important to avoid or decrease micro vascular complications of diabetes leading to cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb problems [5]. Healthy diet, physical activity, and non-use of tobacco can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes [1] and can delay the complications of diabetes

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion