Screening people with type 2 diabetes at risk for foot ulceration in Iran.
BACKGROUND
Foot screening is one of the most effective means of preventing foot complications in diabetes. Therefore the aim of this study was to perform a screening program for people with type 2 diabetes at risk of foot complications.


METHODS
Physical examinations consisting of vascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and dermatologic examinations were performed. We used a Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and a 128-Hz tuning fork to test peripheral neuropathy. The study population was categorized based on Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines into three groups of low, medium, and high risk for diabetes foot disease.


RESULTS
Of a total of 148 people with type 2 diabetes, 4.7% had an active foot ulcer, and 41.9% were classed as low risk, 40.6% as medium risk, and 12.8% as high risk.


CONCLUSIONS
Considering the potential of developing risk of foot disease in people with diabetes, it is recommended that foot screening should be performed by primary care practitioners and specialists to detect foot disease in an early stage. Foot screening program for people with diabetes should also be taken into account by health policy makers in national guidelines.
Vatankhah
Nasibeh
N
Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. nasibeh.vatankhah@yahoo.com
Noudeh
Younes Jahangiri
YJ
Khamseh
Mohammad E
ME
Baradaran
Hamid R
HR
D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods