Foot pathology in insulin dependent diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
Foot pathology is a major source of morbidity in adults with diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine if children with insulin dependent diabetes have an increased incidence of foot pathology compared with non-diabetic children.


METHODS
Questionnaire, clinical examination, and biomechanical assessment.


METHODS
67 diabetic children and a comparison group matched for age, sex, and social class.


RESULTS
We found significantly more foot pathology in the children with diabetes (52 children) than the comparison group (28 children); with more biomechanical anomalies (58 children with diabetes, 34 comparison group); and a higher incidence of abnormal skin conditions (53 children with diabetes, 27 comparison group). Forty two children with diabetes had received foot health education compared with 27 in the comparison group, but the study revealed ignorance and misconceptions among the diabetic group, and previous contact with a podiatrist was minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
The survey suggests that children with diabetes have an increased incidence of foot pathology justifying greater input of podiatric care in the hope of preventing later problems.
Barnett
S J
SJ
Institute of Child Health, Bristol Royal Hospital for Sick Children.
Shield
J P
JP
Potter
M J
MJ
Baum
J D
JD
D000293:Adolescent; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017719:Diabetic Foot; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000503:physiopathology; D005530:Foot Deformities / Q000209:etiology; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011032:Podiatry / Q000193:education