Vascular service provision during the COVID-19 pandemic worsened major amputation rates in socially deprived diabetic populations.

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease - 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly impacted healthcare service provision and put diabetic patients at increased risk of adverse health outcomes. We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and demographic shift of major lower-limb amputation in diabetic patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of diabetic patient records undergoing major lower-limb amputation between 01/03/2019 and 01/03/2021 at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, the regional arterial hub for Sussex. Primary outcomes were amputation incidence rates and patient demographics compared between the prepandemic and pandemic cohorts. Results: The incidence rate ratio of major lower-limb amputations shows a drop in amputations during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (IRR 0.82; 95% CI 0.57-1.18). Data suggests a shift in the social deprivation background of patients receiving amputations to disproportionately affect those in the more deprived 50% of the population (p=0.038). Younger patients received more amputations during the pandemic compared to prepandemic levels (p=0.001). Conclusion: Results suggest that during the COVID-19 pandemic there was a paradoxical reduction in amputations compared to prepandemic levels. However, changes to the demographic makeup of patient's receiving amputations are alarming as younger, and more deprived patients have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Association between monocyte to lymphocyte ratio and diabetic foot ulcer in the population of the US with diabetes based on the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a severe complication that occurs in patients with diabetes and is a primary factor that necessitates amputation. Therefore, the occurrence and progression of DFU must be predicted at an early stage to improve patient prognosis and outcomes. In this regard, emerging evidence suggests that inflammation-related markers play a significant role in DFU. One such potential marker, the monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), has not been extensively studied in relation to DFU. This study aimed to define a connection between MLR and DFU. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999 to 2004. DFU was defined based on survey questionnaires assessing the presence of nonhealing ulcers in the lower extremities for more than 4 weeks in diabetes patients. The MLR was calculated as the ratio of the monocyte count to the lymphocyte count, which was directly obtained from laboratory data files. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the MLR and DFU. Stratified analysis according to age, sex, body mass index, blood glucose, hemoglobin, and glycated hemoglobin categories was conducted, and multiple imputations were applied to missing data. Results: In total, 1246 participants were included; the prevalence of DFU was 9.4% (117/1246). A multivariable regression model revealed a significant association between DFU and a 0.1 unit increase in MLR after adjusting for all covariates (adjusted odds ratio=1.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.33). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent findings regarding the impact of MLR on the presence of DFU (p > 0.05). Conclusion: MLR is significantly associated with DFU in diabetes patients, and can be used as one of the indicators for predicting the occurrence of DFU. MLR assessment may be a valuable component in the follow-up of patients with diabetes.

Decreasing lifetime prevalence of diabetes-related foot ulcers in Norway: repeated cross-sectional population-based surveys from the HUNT study (1995-2019).

Background and aims: Diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU) are a persistent healthcare challenge, impacting both patients and healthcare systems, with adverse effects on quality of life and productivity. Our primary aim was to examine the trends in lifetime prevalence of DFU, as well as other micro- and macrovascular complications in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway. Methods: This study consists of individuals ≥20 years with diabetes participating in the population-based cross-sectional HUNT surveys (1995-2019). Prevalence ratios, comparing the lifetime prevalence of DFU and other relevant micro- and macrovascular complications between the HUNT surveys, were calculated using Poisson regression. Results: The lifetime prevalence (95% confidence interval (CI)) of a DFU requiring three or more weeks to heal was 11.0% (9.5-12.7) in HUNT2, 7.5% (6.3-8.8) in HUNT3 and 5.3% (4.4-6.3) in HUNT4. The decrease in DFU prevalence from 1995 to 2019 was observed in both men and women, for all age groups, and for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The highest lifetime prevalence of DFU was found among those with type 1 diabetes. The decrease in HbA1c from HUNT2 to HUNT4 did not differ between those with and without a DFU. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (eGFR categories G3-G5)) increased in both individuals with and without a DFU. Conclusion: Results from the HUNT surveys show a substantial decline in the lifetime prevalence of DFU from 1995 to 2019.

Risk factors for malnutrition in patients with diabetic foot ulcer and its association with prolonged length of hospitalization.

PURPOSE: The study was designed to investigate the occurrence and risk factors of malnutrition in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) patients and examine the association between malnutrition and length of stay (LOS). METHODS: This observational study included DFU hospitalized patients in two campuses of a hospital from January 2021 to June 2023. The diagnosis standard of malnutrition was established by using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Patients were followed up to ascertain the length of hospitalization, and hospital stays longer than 17 days were considered as prolonged LOS. To explore the risk factors of malnutrition and the association between malnutrition and LOS, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Overall 219 DFU patients were enrolled, malnutrition was identified in 38.36% of patients according to GLIM criteria, and 92 patients (42%) were recognized as prolonged LOS. Logistic regression analyses showed that BMI (P <0.001), Alb (P = 0.002), HbA1c (P <0.001), ulcer infection (P <0.001), LOS (P = 0.010), and ABI (P = 0.024) were independent risk factors for malnutrition. Besides, malnutrition by GLIM criteria was closely related to prolonged LOS and malnourished DFU patients were 2.857 times (95% CI, 1.497-5.450; P = 0.001) likely to present prolonged LOS than that of normal nutrition. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition was considered to be extremely prevalent in DFU patients and was associated with approximately three times higher likelihood of prolonged LOS. Implementing and disseminating the diagnostic criteria during routine practice is crucial, given the predictive efficacy of GLIM criteria.

Exploring the influence of dietary habits on foot risk in type 2 diabetes patients: An observational study.

BACKGROUND & AIM: To date, there are no studies demonstrating the impact of the Mediterranean diet on the risk of diabetic foot ulcer. The aim of this research was to examine the connection between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the level of risk of diabetic foot ulcers in individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Observational pilot study collecting sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, and type 2 diabetes-related data. Loss of protective sensation was assessed using the Semmes Weinstein 5.07-10 g monofilament, considered altered when not perceived in four points. Vascular status was assessed by palpating pulses and ankle-brachial index, indicating peripheral arterial disease if ankle-brachial index was less than 0.9 or if both pulses were absent. Foot deformities were recorded. The risk of diabetic foot ulcers was stratified into two categories: no risk and risk of diabetic foot ulcers. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener-14 questionnaire (good adherence with score >7). RESULTS: Of the 174 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who participated (61.5% men and 38.5% women) with a mean age of 69.56 ± 8.86 years and a mean duration of type 2 diabetes of 15.34 ± 9.83 years. Non-adherent patients to the Mediterranean diet exhibited a higher association of diabetic foot ulcers (p = 0.030) and a lower average score on the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener-14 (p = 0.011). Additionally, a lower incidence of diabetic foot ulcers was observed in those who consumed nuts three or more times a week (p = 0.003) and sautéed foods two or more times a week (p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis highlighted the importance of physical activity (OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.11-0.54; p < 0.001), podiatric treatment (OR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.21-5.56; p = 0.014), and duration of type 2 diabetes (OR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.76-5.99; p < 0.001) as significantly associated factors related to the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: Adhering to the Mediterranean diet correlates with a lower incidence of diabetic foot ulcers in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, factors such as regular physical activity, podiatric treatment, and the duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus emerge as pivotal in preventing diabetic foot ulcers.

Podiatrist intervention could reduce the incidence of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes: a hospital survey in China.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of podiatrists in preventing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in China. METHOD: The study was a prospective investigation. A total of 300 patients were enrolled from May 2016 to May 2018 in Handan Central Hospital, China. All patients who participated in this study had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). All participants underwent our survey, which included basic patient data and information about DFUs. The patients were followed for one year, during which time they received appropriate intervention from podiatrists, including lifestyle guidance, callus resection, tinea grinding and ingrown nail correction. At the end of the year all the patients were surveyed again. The data before and after the year were statistically compared. RESULTS: The results showed that the incidence of DFUs in patients with diabetes was significantly decreased after one year of intervention from podiatrists (20.7% versus 6.7%, p<0.001). Additionally, there was a negative correlation between the number of intervention visits and the number of DFU occurrences (Spearman correlation coefficient: -0.496, p<0.001). Furthermore, we found that 68 patients with a history of DFUs or amputation had an obviously reduced incidence of DFUs after intervention by a podiatrist (89.7% versus 27.9%, p<0.001). We also investigated other foot risk factors in all participants, such as limb neuropathy (76.3%), lower extremity vascular disease (65.7%) and foot paralysis (43.7%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study help in understanding the situation of patients with diabetes in China and to prove that standardised podiatrist intervention has an important role in inhibiting the occurrence and development of DFUs.

Association between onychomycosis and ulcerative complications in patients with diabetes: a longitudinal cohort study in Dutch general practice.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcers are feared complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), requiring extensive treatment and hospital admissions, ultimately leading to amputation and increased mortality. Different factors contribute to the development of foot ulcers and related complications. Onychomycosis, being more prevalent in patients with diabetes, could be an important risk factor for developing ulcers and related infections. However, the association between onychomycosis and diabetic complications has not been well studied in primary care. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: To determine the impact of onychomycosis on ulcer development and related complications in patients with diabetes in primary care, a longitudinal cohort study was carried out using routine care data from the Extramural Leiden University Medical Center Academic Network. Survival analyses were performed through Cox proportional hazards models with time-dependent covariates. RESULTS: Data from 48 212 patients with a mean age of 58 at diagnosis of DM, predominantly type 2 (87.8%), were analysed over a median follow-up of 10.3 years. 5.7% of patients developed an ulcer. Onychomycosis significantly increased the risk of ulcer development (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.66), not affected by antimycotic treatment, nor after adjusting for confounders (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.49). The same was found for surgical interventions (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.35 to 1.75) and skin infections (HR 1.48, CI 95% 1.28 to 1.72), again not affected by treatment and significant after adjusting for confounders (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.51 and HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.48, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Onychomycosis significantly increased the risk of ulcer development in patients with DM in primary care, independently of other risk factors. In addition, onychomycosis increased the risk of surgeries and infectious complications. These results underscore the importance of giving sufficient attention to onychomycosis in primary care and corresponding guidelines. Early identification of onychomycosis during screening and routine care provides a good opportunity for timely recognition of increased ulcer risk.

Diabetic foot ulcers, their characteristics, and trends in survival: Real world outcomes at a tertiary care facility in India.

AIMS: Characteristics of diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU), association with recurrence and amputation are poorly described in the Asian Indian population. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was reviewed to characterize DFU and its association with amputation and recurrence. RESULTS: Of 200 patients, 63.5 % were male, the median age was 62 years (Min-Max:40-86), and median BMI was 27.90 kg/m2 (Min-Max:18.5-42.7). Median duration of Diabetes mellitus was 15 years (Min-Max:2-43). Complete healing occurred at a median of three months (Min-Max:0.23-37.62). Amputation for the current ulcer was required in 43.4 % of individuals. Ulcer recurrence was documented in 42.4 % instances, 66.1 % evolving on the ipsilateral side. Previous amputation was associated with the risk of subsequent amputation (Adjusted OR-3.08,p-0.047). Median time to ulcer recurrence was 4.23 years among those with amputation, in contrast to 9.61 years in those with healing. Cardiovascular death was the commonest cause of mortality, followed by sepsis. At a median follow up of 6.08 years, mortality at 1,3,5 and 10 years was 2.5 %,2.5 %,8.2 % and 30.9 % respectively among those who underwent amputation versus 0 %,0 %,10.1 % and 24.5 % respectively for those who achieved healing. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DFU in India incur amputations at rates higher than conventionally described. With previous amputation, subsequent amputation risk triples. Ten-year mortality is 25%-30 %. Underestimates of the burden of recurrence and mortality are consequential of limited follow-up.

Prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in diabetic foot ulcers: A meta-analysis.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have become increasingly common in recent years due to the increased prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). We carried out a meta-analysis aimed at investigating the prevalence of MDR bacteria isolated from DFUs and analysing the risk factors for MDR bacterial infection in patients with DFUs. The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were searched for studies published up to November 2023 on the clinical outcomes of MDR bacteria in DFUs. The main outcome was the prevalence of MDR bacteria in DFUs. A total of 21 studies were included, representing 4885 patients from which 2633 MDR bacterial isolates were obtained. The prevalence of MDR bacteria in DFUs was 50.86% (95% confidence interval (CI): 41.92%-59.78%). The prevalence of MDR gram-positive bacteria (GPB) in DFUs was 19.81% (95% CI: 14.35%-25.91%), and the prevalence of MDR gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in DFUs was 32.84% (95% CI: 26.40%-39.62%). MDR Staphylococcus aureus (12.13% (95% CI: 8.79%-15.91%)) and MDR Enterococcus spp. (3.33% (95% CI: 1.92%-5.07%)) were the main MDR-GPB in DFUs. MDR Escherichia coli, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MDR Enterobacter spp., MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MDR Proteus mirabilis were the main MDR-GNB in DFUs. The prevalence rates were 6.93% (95% CI: 5.15%-8.95%), 6.01% (95% CI: 4.03%-8.33%), 3.59% (95% CI: 0.42%-9.30%), 3.50% (95% CI: 2.31%-4.91%), and 3.27% (95% CI: 1.74%-5.21%), respectively. The clinical variables of diabetic foot ulcer patients infected with MDR bacteria and non-MDR bacteria in the included studies were analysed. The results showed that peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, osteomyelitis, Wagner's grade, previous hospitalization and previous use of antibacterial drugs were significantly different between the MDR bacterial group and the non-MDR bacterial group. We concluded that there is a high prevalence of MDR bacterial infections in DFUs. The prevalence of MDR-GNB was greater than that of MDR-GPB in DFUs. MDR S. aureus was the main MDR-GPB in DFUs, and MDR E. coli was the main MDR-GNB in DFUs. Our study also indicated that peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, osteomyelitis, Wagner's grade, previous hospitalization, and previous use of antibacterial drugs were associated with MDR bacterial infections in patients with DFUs.

Economic burden of diabetic foot ulcer: a case of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is known as a serious complication of diabetes mellitus in patients with diabetes, imposing heavy medical costs on healthcare systems due to its chronic nature. patients with severe diabetic foot ulcer are often disabled to work, and some of them may even die, leading to associated productivity losses. Since no previous study has investigated the economic burden of DFU in Iran, this study is to estimate the economic burden of diabetic foot disease in Iran. METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, randomly selected samples consisted of 542 patients with DFU, hospitalized in the hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. The demographic profile and cost data used in this analysis were derived from a researcher-designed checklist. Lost productivity was calculated based on Human Capital Approach, and the total economic cost of DFU was determined using patient-level data on costs and prevalence data from the global burden of diseases reports. All analyses were performed using SPSS software (Version 23), and Microsoft Excel (Version 19). RESULTS: The economic burden of DFU in Iran in two scenarios of discounting future costs and not discounting them was about $8.7 billion and $35 billion, respectively (about 0.59 and 2.41% of GDP). 79.25% of the estimated costs in this study were indirect costs and productivity losses, of which 99.34% (7,918.4 million Dollars) were productivity losses due to premature death. 20.75% (2,064.4 million dollars) of the estimated costs in this study were direct costs. The average length of stay (LOS) was 8.10 days (SD = 9.32), and 73.3% of patients recovered and were discharged after hospitalization and 7.6% died. The majority of the costs are imposed on the age group of 60-69 year (53.42% of the productivity lost due to hospital length of stay, 58.91% of the productivity lost due to premature death & 40.41% of direct costs). CONCLUSIONS: DFU represents a heavy burden to patients, Iran's health system, and the economy. Early prevention strategies need to be prioritized in making public health policies. These policies and decisions can be in the area of changing lifestyle, health education, changing people's behavior, and encouraging physical activity that targeted high-risk populations in order to reduce the prevalence of diabetic foot and resulting substantial economic burden.

Compliance with eye and foot preventive care in people with self-reported diabetes in Latin America and the Caribbean: Pooled, cross-sectional analysis of nine national surveys.

AIMS: To estimate the proportion of people with self-reported diabetes receiving eye and foot examinations in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of national health surveys in nine countries. Adults aged 25-64 years with self-reported diabetes. We quantified the proportion who reported having an eye examination in the last two years or a foot examination in the last year. We fitted multilevel Poisson regressions to assess socio-demographic (age and sex) and clinical (oral hypoglycemic medication and insulin treatment) variables associated with having had examinations. RESULTS: There were 7435 people with self-reported diabetes included in the analysis. In three countries (Chile [64%; 95% CI: 56%-71%], British Virgin Islands [58%; 95% CI: 51%-65%], and Brazil [54%; 95% CI: 50%-58%]), >50% of people with diabetes reported having had an eye examination in the last two years. Fewer participants (<50% across all countries) reported having had a foot examination in the last year, with Ecuador having the lowest proportion (12%; 95% CI: 8%-17%). Older people, and those taking oral medication or insulin, were more likely to have eye/foot examinations. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of eye and foot examinations in people with self-reported diabetes across nine countries in LAC is low.

Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic foot complications among people living with diabetes in Harare, Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot disease (DF) is a common diabetes-related complication; however, the prevalence and associated risk factors for DF are not well characterised among people living with diabetes (PLWD) in Zimbabwe. This may suggest the unavailability of adequate strategies to diagnose and treat DF in the country. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DF and associated risk factors for PLWD in Harare, Zimbabwe. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, employing a quantitative approach. In total, 352 PLWD were recruited from 16 primary care clinics in Harare. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected via face-to-face interviews and clinical records reviews. The DF screening included an evaluation for peripheral neuropathy, ankle-brachial index (ABI), ulceration, and amputation. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs), and KAP was scored using Bloom's cut-off. Chi-Square goodness-of-fit tests were performed, and regression analyses were used for association analysis. The threshold for significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: This group included 82 men and 279 women, with a combined mean age of 57.9 ± 14 years. Twenty one (~ 26%) men and 41 (15%) women had type 1 diabetes. The diabetes type distribution significantly differed by gender (p < 0.001). Oral hypoglycaemics (71%) were most commonly administered for management. DF was observed in 53% (95% CI = 50-56) of PLWD. Other DF symptoms observed were abnormal ABI (53%), peripheral neuropathy (53%), foot ulceration (17%) and amputation (3%). Peripheral neuropathy increased the risk of ulceration (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1-2.6; p = 0.019), while insulin use was protective against amputation (OR = 0.1; 95% CI = 0.1-0.9; p = 0.049). Most (87%) of the participants demonstrated good DF knowledge and the importance of adhering to medication to prevent DF. However, 96% did not know that smoking was a risk factor for DF. Nearly two-thirds (63%) demonstrated poor attitudes and practices. Poor attitudes and practices were not predictors of DF ulceration risk (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that there was a high prevalence of DF (53%) in PLWD in Zimbabwe, and insulin use was protective against DF. There is an urgent need for policy revisions to include foot screening in routine primary care and increasing insulin use for PLWD to prevent complications such as DF as an integral part of primary care.

Foot and Ankle Care by Podiatrists and Amputations in Patients With Diabetes and Kidney Failure.

Importance: Patients with kidney failure have an increased risk of diabetes-related foot complications. The benefit of regular foot and ankle care in this at-risk population is unknown. Objective: To investigate foot and ankle care by podiatrists and the outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in patients with kidney failure. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study included Medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes receiving dialysis who had a new DFU diagnosis. The analysis of the calendar year 2016 to 2019 data from the United States Renal Data System was performed on June 15, 2023, with subsequent updates on December 11, 2023. Exposures: Foot and ankle care by podiatrists during 3 months prior to DFU diagnosis. Main Outcomes and Measures: The outcomes were a composite of death and/or major amputation, as well as major amputation alone. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate 2 to 3 years of amputation-free survival. Foot and ankle care by podiatrists and the composite outcome was examined using inverse probability-weighted Cox regression, while competing risk regression models were used for the analysis of amputation alone. Results: Among the 14 935 adult patients with kidney failure and a new DFU (mean [SD] age, 59.3 [12.7] years; 35.4% aged ≥65 years; 8284 men [55.4%]; Asian, 2.7%; Black/African American, 35.0%; Hispanic, 17.7%; White, 58.5%), 18.4% (n = 2736) received care by podiatrists in the 3 months before index DFU diagnosis. These patients were older, more likely to be male, and have more comorbidities than those without prior podiatrist visits. Over a mean (SD) 13.5 (12.0)-month follow-up, 70% of those with podiatric care experienced death and/or major amputation, compared with 74% in the nonpodiatric group. Survival probabilities at 36 months were 26.3% vs 22.8% (P < .001, unadjusted Kaplan-Meier survival analysis). In multivariate regression analysis, foot and ankle care was associated with an 11% lower likelihood of death and/or amputation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.89 95% CI, 0.84-0.93) and a 9% lower likelihood of major amputation (above or below knee) (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.99) than those who did not. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this study suggest that patients with kidney failure at risk for DFUs who receive foot and ankle care from podiatrists may be associated with a reduced likelihood of diabetes-related amputations.

Non-pharmacological interventions to improve cardiovascular risk factors in people with diabetic foot disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in those with diabetic foot disease is very high. Non-pharmacological interventions may improve this risk, though no previous evidence synthesis has been completed. This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on CVD risk factors in diabetic ulcer disease. Multiple databases and trials registers were searched from inception to December 6th 2023. We included reports of randomised controlled trials investigating the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on cardiovascular risk in those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and current or previous diabetic foot disease. Twenty studies were included. Extracted data included: study design and setting; participant sociodemographic factors; and change in cardiovascular risk factors. Data were synthesised using random effects meta-analyses and narrative syntheses. Interventions included nutritional supplementation, collaborative care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patient education, nurse-led intervention, self-management, family support, relaxation and exercise, over a median duration of 12 weeks. Significant post-intervention changes were observed in fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin levels, insulin sensitivity and resistance, glycated haemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and C-reactive protein. No effects were detected in very low- or high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol or body mass index. Non-pharmacological interventions show promise in improving CVD risk in diabetic foot disease.

Association between antidepressants and the risk of diabetic foot ulcers and amputation in antidepressant-naïve type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A nested case-control study.

AIMS: Antidepressants are widely used by individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to explore the correlation between antidepressant use, considering specific antidepressant subclasses or cumulative doses, and diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) risk. METHODS: This nested case-control study was conducted using a representative population-based Korean cohort database from 2002 to 2019. Participants with DFUs were matched with participants without DFUs based on age, sex, date of T2DM diagnosis, and follow-up duration. In total, 791 DFUs and 3900 controls were included. The association between antidepressant use or cumulative dose of each antidepressant subclass, DFU risk and amputation risk was examined using a conditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: Antidepressant ever-use was associated with an increased incidence of DFUs compared with non-use. Furthermore, an increase in DFU risk was evident with increasing cumulative antidepressant dosage, particularly among tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) ever-users and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) ever-users. Additionally, antidepressant ever-users displayed a higher risk of DFUs requiring amputation, which was consistently observed when the cumulative dosages of overall antidepressants and TCAs were considered. CONCLUSION: Caution is advised when administering TCAs and SSRIs in antidepressant-naïve T2DM patients to reduce DFU and the consequent amputation risk.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors Reduce the Risk of Hospitalization for Heart Failure and Amputation Rate Compared With Incretin-Based Therapy in Patients With Diabetic Foot Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) outcomes associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapies remain unclear in patients with type 2 diabetes and newly diagnosed diabetic foot complications (DFCs). This study examined the impact of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA use on the rates of MACEs and amputations in patients with type 2 diabetes and without cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (2004-2017) were analyzed, focusing on patients with type 2 diabetes without previous MACE and newly diagnosed DFCs. The primary outcome was the first MACE occurrence, and the secondary outcomes included MACE components, all-cause mortality, and lower extremity amputation (LEA) rates. RESULTS: SGLT2i users showed a significant decrease in the MACE (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.88) and hospitalization for heart failure (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35-0.83) rates compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor users. The amputation rates were also lower in SGLT2i users without LEA at the first DFC diagnosis (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.10-0.75) and did not increase in those with a history of peripheral artery disease or LEA. No significant differences were observed between dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor and GLP-1 RA users in terms of the primary or secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: In patients with type 2 diabetes initially diagnosed with DFC, SGLT2i are effective in significantly reducing the hospitalization for heart failure and MACE rates. SGLT2i lower the amputation rates, especially in patients who have not previously had a LEA, than the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor therapy.

Implication of Low Plasma Arginine among Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU).

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a well-recognized vascular complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Unless immediate measures are taken some patients end up with amputation. The hallmarks of DFU are hyperglycemia, neuropathy, ischemia and infection (Andrew). Recent studies confirmed the role of low serum arginine in the development of foot ulcer in diabetic patients. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between low serum magnesium and diabetic foot ulcer and to identify the incidence of low plasma arginine levels in diabetic patients with DFU in Sudan. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A total of 120 subjects were recruited in this study and were divided into three groups, namely, diabetic with foot ulcer (group-I), diabetic without foot ulcer (group-II) and non-diabetic healthy subjects (group-III). These subjects were investigated for FBS, HbA1c and serum arginine. Data were analysed using SPSS (28th release). <b>Results:</b> Analysis of the results obtained showed significantly marked reduced plasma arginine levels in group I than the other two groups where mean plasma arginine level was 12.08, 49.25 and 94.1 micromole/L, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the duration of diabetes and DFU in diabetic patients with DFU and diabetic patients without DFU, as well as levels of HbA1c (p-value 0.457, 0.89) respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> The low serum arginine levels were significantly associated with foot ulcers in diabetic patients and play an important role in the development of diabetic foot ulcers.

Factors associated with diabetic foot ulcers and lower limb amputations in type 1 and type 2 diabetes supported by real-world data from the German/Austrian DPV registry.

AIMS: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a leading cause of lower limb amputations in people with diabetes. This study was aimed to retrospectively analyze factors affecting DFU using real-world data from a large, prospective central-European diabetes registry (DPV [Diabetes-Patienten-Verlaufsdokumentation]). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We matched adults with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) and DFU to controls without DFU by diabetes type, age, sex, diabetes duration, and treatment year to compare possible risk factors. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios for amputation among those with DFU. RESULTS: In our cohort (N = 63 464), male sex, taller height, and diabetes complications such as neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, nephropathy, and retinopathy were associated with DFU (all p < .001). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was related to DFU only in T1D (mean with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.8 [6.9-9.0] % vs 7.5 [6.8-8.5] %, p < .001). High triglycerides and worse low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio were also associated with DFU in T1D, whereas smoking (14.7% vs 13.1%) and alcohol abuse (6.4% vs 3.8%, both p < .001) were associated with DFU in T2D. Male sex, higher Wagner grades, and high HbA1c in both diabetes types and insulin use in T2D were associated with increased hazard ratios for amputations. CONCLUSIONS: Sex, body height, and diabetes complications were associated DFU risk in adults with T1D and T2D. Improvement in glycemic control and lipid levels in T1D and reduction of smoking and drinking in T2D may be appropriate interventions to reduce the risk for DFU or amputations.

Inequity of healthcare access for patients with diabetic foot disease: a retrospective study in south-east Queensland.

OBJECTIVES: Logan local government area (LGA) in Queensland has the highest diabetes prevalence (6.5%) within Metro South Health (MSH). The study aimed to determine the burden of, and equity of access to secondary healthcare, for diabetic foot disease (DFD) for Logan residents to better inform healthcare services planning. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of hospital admissions data between January 2018 and December 2021. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: All episodes of care for DFD provided by MSH hospitals to patients with a residential address in the three LGAs serving the region were included. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was number of episodes of care for DFD by LGA of residence and hospital of presentation. Secondary outcomes were DFD-related hospital occupied bed days and number of lower extremity amputations. RESULTS: Among residents in the MSH region, almost half of all episodes of care (47%) and bed days (48%) for DFD were for patients residing in Logan LGA. 40% of episodes of care, 57% of bed days and 73% of lower extremity amputations for DFD for these patients occurred outside of Logan LGA. These findings led to the planning of an integrated model of care for DFD at Logan hospital to improve and make care available locally. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that Logan residents with DFD had poor access to care despite the highest burden. Analysing epidemiology of care for DFD with an equity lens and highlighting gaps in service delivery is paramount to addressing the inequity paradigm.

Independent association of history of diabetic foot with all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes: the Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events (RIACE) Italian Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Foot ulcers and/or infections are common long-term complications of diabetes and are associated with increased mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease, though only a few studies have investigated the independent contribution of these events to risk of death. This study aimed at assessing the association of history of diabetic foot with all-cause mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes, independent of cardiovascular risk factors, other complications, and comorbidities. METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled 15,773 Caucasian patients in 19 Italian centers in the years 2006-2008. Prior lower extremity, coronary, and cerebrovascular events and major comorbidities were ascertained by medical records, diabetic retinopathy by fundoscopy, diabetic kidney disease by albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate, cardiovascular risk factors by standard methods. All-cause mortality was retrieved for 15,656 patients on 31 October 2015. RESULTS: At baseline, 892 patients (5.7%) had a history of diabetic foot, including ulcer/gangrene and/or amputation (n = 565; 3.58%), with (n = 126; 0.80%) or without (n = 439; 2.78%) lower limb revascularization, and revascularization alone (n = 330; 2.09%). History of diabetic foot was associated with all-cause death over a 7.42-year follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.502 [95% confidence interval, 1.346-1.676], p < 0.0001), independent of confounders, among which age, male sex, smoking, hemoglobin A1c, current treatments, other complications, comorbidities and, inversely, physical activity level and total and HDL cholesterol were correlated independently with mortality. Both ulcer/gangrene and amputation alone were independently associated with death, with a higher strength of association for amputation than for ulcer/gangrene (1.874 [1.144-3.070], p = 0.013 vs. 1.567 [1.353-1.814], p < 0.0001). Both ulcer/gangrene/amputation and lower limb revascularization alone were independently associated with death; mortality risk was much higher for ulcer/gangrene/amputation than for revascularization (1.641 [1.420-1.895], p < 0.0001 vs. 1.229 [1.024-1.475], p = 0.018) and further increased only slightly for combined ulcer/gangrene/amputation and revascularization (1.733 [1.368-2.196], p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 2 diabetes, an history of diabetic foot event, including ulcer/gangrene, amputation, and lower limb revascularization, was associated with a ~ 50% increased risk of subsequent death, independent of cardiovascular risk factors, other complications and severe comorbidities, which were also significantly associated with mortality. The association with mortality was greatest for amputation, whereas that for revascularization alone was relatively modest. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00715481, retrospectively registered 15 July, 2008.