Evaluation of foot ulcers in diabetic patients.

This is a prospective observational study of 50 cases of diabetic foot ulcer conducted from June 2010 to May 2011 in the Department of Surgery of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital and the Diabetic Hospital, Bogra. This study revealed that diabetic foot ulcers are not uncommon complication in our country. The purpose of the study was to undergo a thorough evaluation of diabetic foot ulcers for better management as well as better outcome of patients. The maximum age group of this study was 41-50 years; mean±SD age was 55±15 years and male to female ratio was 1.4:1. This study showed that diabetic foot ulcers were more common in low-socio-economic group, among smokers, among poor glycemic controlled group and long duration of diabetics. In this series, 92% patients had peripheral neuropathy, 22% had foot deformity and 70% patients had vascular insufficiency in the foot and legs. In this series, 68% patients presented early diabetic complication i.e. 44% patients belonged to grade '0' and 24% patients belonged to Grade 1, which were suitable for safety of the limb or reducing major amputation if treated properly.