Ulceration risk in diabetic feet: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: To identify the prevalence of ulceration risk in the feet of people with diabetes mellitus (DM) living in rural areas. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted with 293 people suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus and older than 40 years, considering their socio-economic, demographic and clinical characteristics and lifestyle. Data collection was carried out through interviews, medical record analysis and clinical examination of the feet. Result: There was a risk of ulceration on the right foot in 37.2% of the cases and 35.8% in the left foot, and degree 2 risk was predominant. Complications such as greater age, low levels of education, the use of insulin and other chronic issues related to DM were factors associated with a higher prevalence of ulceration risk with regard to the feet. Conclusion: The need to implement action that considers the specifics of rural populations was evident, especially with regard to changes in lifestyle in order to control the DM.