Is Revascularization the Only Mode of Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

Introduction and Objective: Diabetic foot infection is a common cause for hospital admissions among diabetics in India. This could be attributed to sociocultural practices, such as walking barefoot, inequitable access to diabetes care, poor education, and poor socioeconomic conditions. The purpose of this study is to highlight the role of diabetic footwear in care of diabetic foot. Materials and Methods: The observational study included 170 patients, presenting with diabetic foot ulcers, studied over a period of 19 months. The patients were categorised in those suffering from neuropathic ulcers and neuroischemic ulcers using biothesiometery and Ankle Brachial Pressure Index. Diabetic foot wears were prescribed based on plantar pressure measurement. The mode of management was noted and need for incidence on follow up was recorded. Results: Our study population predominantly consisted of elderly males with a mean age of 63.2 years and 71.7 % males. Out of 170 patients presenting with diabetic foot ulcer, neuroischemic ulcers were diagnosed in 35 patients, and the rest 135 patients were diagnosed to have neuropathic ulcers. (Graph1) NIU was observed more common among male patients with 25 males out of 35 patients [71.4 %], similarly NPU were more common in males [72.8 %]. Among the 35 patients who were diagnosed to have neuroischemic ulcers, all required diabetic foot wear, however 10 patients required revascularization procedure, 2 patients required Prostaglandin therapy infusion and 1 patient required stem cell implantation. The group of patients who were diagnosed to have neuropathic ulcers, required only diabetic foot wear and medical therapy which involved antibiotics, antiplatelets, vasodilators and Prostaglandin infusion. Amputation was required in 8 (23%) out of 35 patients suffering from NIU and in 12 (9%) out of 135 patients suffering from NPU. Conclusion: ABI, bioethesiometry and plantar pressure measurement play an important role in planning management and need of diabetic foot wear. Majority of the patients may have neuropathic involvement with recurrence rate and need of amputation significantly reduced by use of diabetic foot wear.