Factors associated with development of foot lesions in the diabetic.

A prospective study was undertaken of 80 diabetic patients over the age of 50 years, with the aim of determining which factors were important in the development of foot lesions. It was found that factors associated with diabetic management, including HbAlc levels and frequency of previous admissions to hospital for diabetic control, appeared to play little part in the development of foot lesions. However, both vascular impairment and cigarette smoking were significantly associated with an increased incidence of lesions, while neuropathy was found to occur commonly in control subjects as well as patients with foot lesions. There was also a significant relationship between the level of patient understanding as measured by a questionnaire and the development of foot lesions. The importance of the education of both patients and doctors concerning the significance of diabetic foot lesions is emphasized.