ABSTRACT
Background: Foot complications are one of the most devastating complications among diabetes all over the world. Both Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) are responsible for diabetic foot complications. Aim of this study is to screen diabetic patients for both DPN and PAD.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study covering 200 diabetic patients attending a Teaching Hospital. Prevalence of DPN was assessed using Biothesiometer and PAD by measuring the Ankle Brachial Index using handheld Doppler.Results: 49.5% had DPN and 19.5% had PAD. 13% had both PAD and DPN. Most of the subjects were in 51-60 years age group constituting 36.5 %. 61.5% were females. 69.5% had diabetes for more than 10 years. 88% had their HbA1C of more than 6.5%.Conclusions: The prevalence of PVD is multi-fold higher in patients with diabetes with smoking, hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, as major risk factors. Ankle, brachial pressure index, is useful in identifying PVD and it needs further evaluation by an arterial color Doppler and digital subtraction angiography.
ABSTRACT
Background: Peripheral Arterial disease (PAD) is a major microvascular complication of diabetic mellitus. Patients with diabetes have an increased prevalence of PAD. The Ankle branchial Index (ABI) is an easy, noninvasive and often underutilized tool for diagnosis of PAD. The aim of this study is to detect the prevalence of PAD in diabetic patients using Ankle Brachial Index (ABI). Since most of the patients with PAD are asymptomatic, routine screening for the same is necessary to avoid lower limb ulcerations and amputation.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital in the Kancheepuram district of Tamilnadu were screened for the prevalence of PAD using ABI and to find out risk factors associated with it.Results: Among the 200 diabetic patients who underwent ABI measurements using handheld Doppler, 19.5% were found to be having PAD. Most of them were symptomatic. Age more than 50 years and female gender were considered as statistically significant (P<0.05) determinants of PAD.Conclusions: PAD is relatively common in elderly diabetics. ABI measurement is a valid tool in early detection of PAD and therefore regular follow up will decrease disabilities in the diabetic population.