Identification of phase angle and Triglyceride-Glucose index as biomarkers for prediction and management of diabetic foot disease.

Introduction: Approximately 25 % of diabetic patients develop diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), significantly increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Effective control and prevention are crucial. Objective: This study aims to identify easily measurable parameters for predicting DFU risk by assessing the correlation between Phase Angle (PA) and the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index with DFU risk. Materials and methods: A comparative case-control study was conducted at the General Hospital of Elche from March to June 2023 with 70 participants (33 with diabetes, 37 without). Cases had diabetes for over five years and a diabetic foot risk grade of 0, 1, or 2 (IWGDF 2019). Exclusion criteria included inability to walk, prior use of orthoses, and severe complications like edema or wounds. Predictive variables were PA, TyG index, body composition, and biochemical markers. Statistical analyses included Pearson/Spearman tests for correlations, Student's t-test/Mann-Whitney test for group comparisons, and ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis tests for normally and non-normally distributed variables. Results: PAand TyG index were strongly linked to diabetic foot risk, supporting their potential as biomarkers. Significant relationships with other relevant biomarkers were also confirmed. Conclusion: PA and TyG index are valuable, easily measurable biomarkers for assessing diabetic foot risk, and can be monitored in primary care settings. Implementing these biomarkers in routine practice could enhance the management of diabetic complications, particularly in resource-limited settings, by enabling early detection and intervention, thus improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of advanced complications.

[Nitroglycerin patches: properties and norms for correct use]. / Parches de nitroglicerina. Propiedades y normas de uso correcto.

The frequent application of Nitroglycerin Transdermal Systems in patients who need a prophylaxis of anginal episodes requires that medical section should know to use them and their pharmacological properties. These knowledges about their application should be explained to patients and their relatives clear and concisely for them to achieve an accurate use. Having checked the required bibliography, I want to show in this article both the characteristics of this pharmacological preparation and some important points about educational process that patients and relatives should follow: at the same time, this article tries to answer all the questions which might arise.