One in 5 people with diabetes risk foot ulcers
28 February 2003
One in 5 Australians with diabetes is at risk of foot ulceration, according to the Australian Diabetes Obesity and Lifestyle Study.
Researchers from the International Diabetes Institute in Melbourne and the University of WA looked at 11,247 adults with diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or normal glucose tolerance from 42 areas across Australia (Diabetic Medicine 2003; 20: 105-13).
Peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease occurred in 13 per cent of people with known diabetes and 7 per cent of people with newly diagnosed diabetes.
Risk factors for peripheral neuropathy included duration of diabetes, height, age and uric acid levels.
Risk factors for peripheral vascular disease included duration of diabetes, age, smoking, uric acid levels, and an increased urinary albumin:creatinine ratio.
Last Reviewed: 02 March 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 28/2/03
