Method and population: 225 Diabetics were initially evaluated as part of a prospective case control study at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Complete records were available for 215 patients for follow-up evaluation after 30 months. On basis of presence of risk factors upon enrollment, the subjects were stratified into 4 risk groups according to the consensus of the International Working Group. Group 0 consisted of subjects without neuropathy, group 1 consisted of patients with neuropathy but without deformity or peripheral vascular disease, group 2 consisted of subjects with neuropathy and deformity or peripheral vascular disease. Finally, group 3 consisted of patients with a history of foot ulceration or a lower extremity amputation. Results: Upon enrollment, patients in higher risk groups had longer duration of diabetes, worse glycaemic control, vascular and neuropathic variables and more systemic complications of diabetes. During three years of follow-up, ulceration occurred in 5.1%, 14.3%, 18.8% and 55.8% of the patients in groups 0, 1, 2 and 3, respectively (c2 for trend p<0.001). Groups 2 and 3 were responsible for all amputations (3.1% and 20.9%, c2 for trend p<0.001). Conclusions: The foot risk classification of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot predicts ulceration and amputation, and can function as a tool to prevent lower extremity complications of diabetes.
Learning Objectives: Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Diabetic Foot Risk Classification system established by the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot to predict outcomes
Keywords: Diabetes, Minority Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.