Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The diabetic foot is a major public health problem with amputation risk is important. Diabetes podiatric complications of are dominated by diabetic neuropathy, diabetic arterial disease and infection. The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the diabetic foot in the elderly.

Patients and Methods: It was an observational prospective study, conducted in our department between January and December 2018, including 164 diabetic patients aged 65 and over, collected at the service. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software version 19.

Results: We collected 164 patients whose average age was 68±12 years and the sex ratio was 1, 3. Type 2 diabetes was dominated in 89% of patients, with a mean duration of progression of 9±6 years and insulin therapy in 52%. Among our patients, 78% were sedentary, 62% were hypertensive, 40% were dyslipidemic. Diabetic nephropathy was present in 66% of patients. According to the IWGDF classification, 18% were at low risk of ulceration, 24% were at moderate risk, 26% were at high risk and 32% at very high risk. The level of risk was significantly correlated (P<0.005) with the age of diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and nephropathy.

Conclusion: Foot damage is polyfactorial and the various elements acting synergistically. Minimal lesion of the foot in an elderly diabetic patient can threaten the functional and probably vital prognosis of the patient.