Peripheral artery disease in patients with diabetes: Epidemiology, mechanisms, and outcomes

Correlation between key indicators of continuous glucose monitoring and the risk of diabetic foot

BACKGROUND

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics, such as time in range (TIR) and glycemic risk index (GRI), have been linked to various diabetes-related complications, including diabetic foot (DF).

AIM

To investigate the association between CGM-derived indicators and the risk of DF in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A total of 591 individuals with T2DM (297 with DF and 294 without DF) were enrolled. Relevant clinical data, complications, comorbidities, hematological parameters, and 72-hour CGM data were collected. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between these measurements and the risk of DF.

RESULTS

Individuals with DF exhibited higher mean blood glucose (MBG) levels and increased proportions of time above range (TAR), TAR level 1, and TAR level 2, but lower TIR (all P < 0.001). Patients with DF had significantly lower rates of achieving target ranges for TIR, TAR, and TAR level 2 than those without DF (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that GRI, MBG, and TAR level 1 were positively associated with DF risk, while TIR was inversely correlated (all P < 0.05). Achieving TIR and TAR was inversely correlated with white blood cell count and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, achieving TAR was influenced by fasting plasma glucose, body mass index, diabetes duration, and antidiabetic medication use.

CONCLUSION

CGM metrics, particularly TIR and GRI, are significantly associated with the risk of DF in T2DM, emphasizing the importance of improved glucose control.

Comprehensive review on diabetic foot ulcers and neuropathy: Treatment, prevention and management

Diabetic foot (DF) is a major public health concern. As evident from numerous previous studies, supervision of DF ulcer (DFU) is crucial, and a specific quality check-up is needed. Patients should be educated about glycaemic management, DFUs, foot lesions, proper care for injuries, diet, and surgery. Certain reasonably priced treatments, such as hyperbaric oxygen and vacuum-assisted closure therapy, are also available for DFUs, along with modern wound care products and techniques. Nonetheless, DF care (cleaning, applying antimicrobial cream when wounded, and foot reflexology), blood glucose monitoring to control diabetes, and monthly or quarterly examinations in individuals with diabetes are effective in managing DFUs. Between 50% and 80% of DF infections are preventable. Regardless of the intensity of the lesion, it needs to be treated carefully and checked daily during infection. Tissue regeneration can be aided by cleaning, dressing, and application of topical medicines. The choice of shoes is also important because it affects blood circulation and nerve impulses. In general, regular check-ups, monitoring of the patient’s condition, measuring blood glucose levels, and providing frequent guidance regarding DFU care are crucial. Finally, this important clinical problem requires involvement of multiple professionals to properly manage it.

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Charcot Neuro-Osteoarthropathy in People With Diabetes Mellitus in Six Countries: A Multicenter Observational Study From 1996 to 2022

Aim: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CNO) and to examine for differences between participants with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) (T1DM) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: Multicenter observational study in eight diabetic foot clinics in six countries between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2022. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were obtained from the medical records. Analyses were performed using parametric or nonparametric statistical tests for variables with normally or nonnormally distributed values, respectively. Comparisons of the qualitative data were performed using the chi-square test. Results: Seven hundred seventy-four patients with DM and CNO were included. The mean age at diagnosis of CNO was 54.5 ± 11.7 years, and the median (interquartile range (IQR)) diabetes duration at diagnosis of CNO was 15 (10-22) years. Among participants, 71.8% (n = 546) were male and 83.2% (n = 634) had T2DM. Neuropathy was present in 91.7% (n = 688), retinopathy in 60.2% (n = 452), and nephropathy in 45.2% (n = 337). Subjects with T1DM, compared to T2DM, were diagnosed with CNO at a younger age (46.9 ± 11.0 vs. 57.9 ± 10.2 years, p < 0.001), had longer diabetes duration (median value (IQR): 29.0 (21.0-38.0) vs. 14.0 (8.0-20.0) years, p < 0.001), and had more often microvascular complications (neuropathy, 95.2% in T1DM vs. 87.4% in T2DM, p = 0.006; retinopathy, 83.3% vs. 55.4%, p < 0.001; and nephropathy 67.5% vs. 40.5%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: CNO is predominant in males, occurs in long-standing DM, and is often accompanied by microvascular complications. People with T1DM, compared to those with T2DM, are affected at a younger age, have longer diabetes duration, and have more often microvascular complications.

Novel antimicrobial strategies for diabetic foot infections: addressing challenges and resistance

AIMS

This review examines the challenges posed by Diabetic Foot Infections (DFIs), focusing on the impact of neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, immunopathy, and the polymicrobial nature of these infections. The aim is to explore the factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance and assess the potential of novel antimicrobial treatments and drug delivery systems in improving patient outcomes.

METHOD

A comprehensive analysis of existing literature on DFIs was conducted, highlighting the multifactorial pathogenesis and polymicrobial composition of these infections. The review delves into the rise of antimicrobial resistance due to the overuse of antimicrobials, biofilm formation, and microbial genetic adaptability. Additionally, it considers glycemic control, patient adherence, and recurrence rates as contributing factors to treatment failure. Emerging therapies, including new antimicrobial classes and innovative drug delivery systems, were evaluated for their potential efficacy.

RESULTS

DFIs present unique treatment challenges, with high rates of antimicrobial resistance and poor response to standard therapies. Biofilm formation and the genetic adaptability of pathogens worsen resistance, complicating treatment. Current antimicrobial therapies are further hindered by poor glycemic control and patient adherence, leading to recurrent infections. Novel antimicrobial classes and innovative delivery systems show promise in addressing these challenges by offering more targeted, effective treatments. These new approaches aim to reduce resistance and improve treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION

DFIs remain a clinical challenge due to their multifactorial nature and antimicrobial resistance. The development of novel antimicrobials and drug delivery systems is crucial to improving patient outcomes and combating resistance. Future research should focus on enhancing treatment efficacy, reducing resistance, and addressing patient adherence to reduce the burden of DFIs.

A Combined "Vasculoplastic" Approach to the Vasculopathic Patient Undergoing Limb Salvage: Understanding the Role of Endovascular Revascularization for Lower Extremity Free Tissue Transfer

BACKGROUND

 Multidisciplinary care with vascular surgery and plastic surgery is essential for lower extremity free flap (LEFF) success in the chronic wound population with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. There is a lack of understanding on performing targeted direct endovascular reperfusion on a vessel that will be used as the flap recipient. Our study compares outcomes of patients who received targeted revascularization (TR) to the recipient vessel for LEFF anastomosis versus nontargeted revascularization (NR) of arterial recipients prior to LEFF.

METHODS

 LEFF patients who underwent preoperative endovascular revascularization (ER) from July 2011 to January 2023 were reviewed. Location of ER, demographics, perioperative details, and outcomes were collected. TR was performed on the same vessel as the flap recipient and NR was located on a different vessel than the flap recipient.

RESULTS

 A total of 55 LEFF patients were identified. Overall, 50.91% (n = 28) received TR and 49.1% (n = 27) received NR. Average age was 60.3 ± 10.9 years and average Charlson Comorbidity Index was 5.3 ± 1.9. On preoperative angiogram, the TR group had significantly lower rates of ER above the knee (3.6 vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001). Immediate flap success rate was 98.2%, with no differences between groups (p = 1.000). No significant differences were found in rates of any postoperative flap complications (p = 0.898), takeback (p = 0.352), partial flap necrosis (p = 0.648), or dehiscence (p = 0.729). Both TR and NR groups had similar rates of a postoperative angiogram (42.9 vs. 48.2%, p = 0.694) and reintervention (35.7 vs. 40.7% p = 0.701). Amputation rates were similar between TR and NR (17.9 vs. 14.8%, p = 1.000).

CONCLUSION

 Close follow-up with vascular and plastic surgery is required for patients who undergo ER prior to LEFF, as nearly half of our cohort required additional endovascular procedures. Overall, we observed no significant differences in complication rates for the TR and NR groups, informing revascularization strategies for free tissue transfer in a highly comorbid chronic wound population.

A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study Assessing Potentially Inappropriate Medications for Elderly Diabetic Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Background

The aging global population presents challenges in medication management, particularly among diabetic elderly patients vulnerable to potentially inappropriate medications (PIM). PIM can lead to adverse outcomes like hypoglycemia, falls, cognitive decline, and hospitalizations, affecting quality of life and survival. This study aimed to assess PIM prevalence among diabetic elderly patients in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia, using the American Geriatrics Society 2023 Updated Beers Criteria.

Methods

A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted among 480 diabetic adults aged 60 years or older at a tertiary care hospital over 3 months. Data, including demographics, comorbidities, and medication use, were extracted from Electronic Health Records. 2023 AGS Updated Beers Criteria® was followed.

Results

The median age was 66 years with a male predominance (62.7%). Peripheral vascular disease (42.7%) and prior myocardial infarction (22.7%) were prevalent comorbidities. Inappropriate insulin use was observed in 17.7% of insulin users, mainly short-acting insulin without basal/long-acting insulin. Approximately 39.2% of patients were prescribed antidiabetic drugs deemed inappropriate by Beers Criteria, with Gliclazide being the most common (35.6%). Despite potential drug-disease interactions, such as urogenital infections, half of the patients received cautioned drugs, while only 4.2% experienced such infections.

Conclusion

The study highlights the prevalence of PIMs among diabetic elderly patients in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Adherence to Beers Criteria guidelines is crucial to optimize therapy for this population. Age and congestive heart failure were significant predictors of PIM use.

Diabetes mellitus in stroke unit: prevalence and outcomes-the Verona acute coronary syndrome and stroke in diabetes outcome (VASD-OUTCOME) study

BACKGROUND

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) represent a major complication in diabetes (DM). Real-life evidence as to whether modern management of CVA and DM have softened this relationship is limited. Therefore, we estimated prevalence and impact of DM on in-hospital survival and complications in a contemporary cohort of subjects with CVA.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the records of 937 patients admitted for CVA at the Stroke Unit of Verona University Hospital during a 3-year period. Pre-existing or de novo DM was ascertained by prior diagnosis, glucose-lowering therapy at admission/discharge or admittance plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL. Multiple regressions were applied to test DM as predictor of in-hospital mortality, complications (composite of infections, cardio- and cerebrovascular complications, major bleeding and pulmonary complications), duration and costs of hospitalization.

RESULTS

Diabetes prevalence was 21%, of which 22% de novo diagnoses. Compared to non-DM, diabetic individuals were older and carried an increased burden of cardiovascular risk factors. Compared to known DM, de novo DM individuals were younger, had higher admittance plasma glucose and poorer cardiovascular comorbidities. Overall, DM versus non-DM individuals did not show significantly increased risk of death (14.0 vs. 9.3%; crude-OR 1.59 95% CI 0.99-2.56). Controlling for confounders did not improve significance. DM resulted independent predictor for in-hospital complications (36.2% vs. 26.9%; adj-OR 1.49, 1.04-2.13), but not for duration and costs of hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

DM frequently occurs in patients admitted for stroke and carries an excess burden of adverse in-hospital complications, urgently calling for strategies to anticipate DM diagnosis and tailored treatment in high-risk individuals.

ACE Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Outcomes: Recommendations from the 2024 Egyptian Cardiology Expert Consensus in Collaboration with the CVREP Foundation

INTRODUCTION

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a pivotal role in regulating blood pressure (BP), with dysregulation of RAAS resulting in hypertension and potentially heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), cardio-renal syndrome, and stroke. RAAS inhibitors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), have advantages beyond BP control. However, differences between these two drug classes need to be considered when choosing a therapy for preventing cardiovascular events.

METHODS

A panel of 36 Egyptian cardiologists developed consensus statements on RAAS inhibitors for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular outcomes and stroke, using a modified three-step Delphi process.

RESULTS

The consensus statements highlight the importance of effective BP control and the role of RAAS blockade for prevention and management of various cardiovascular diseases. ACEis and ARBs differ in their mode of action and, thus, clinical effects. On the basis of available evidence, the consensus group recommended the following: ACEis should be considered as first choice (in preference to ARBs) to reduce the risk of MI, for primary prevention of HF, and for secondary prevention of stroke. ACEis and ARBs show equivalent efficacy for the primary prevention of stroke. Evidence also favors the preferential use of ACEis in patients with type 2 diabetes, for BP control, for the primary prevention of diabetic kidney disease, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Treatment with an ACEi should be started within 24 h of ST segment elevation MI (and continued long term) in patients with HF, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and/or diabetes. Angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) are the first choice for patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction, with ACEis being the second choice in this group. ARBs are indicated as alternatives in patients who cannot tolerate ACEis. ACEis may be associated with cough development, but the incidence tends to be overestimated, and the risk can be reduced by use of a lipophilic ACEi or combining the ACEi with a calcium channel blocker.

CONCLUSION

RAAS blockade is an essential component of hypertension therapy; however, the protective effects provided by ACEis are superior to those of ARBs. Therefore, an ACEi is indicated in almost all cases, unless not tolerated.

Glucosamine-Mediated Hexosamine Biosynthesis Pathway Activation Uses ATF4 to Promote "Exercise-Like" Angiogenesis and Perfusion Recovery in PAD

BACKGROUND

Endothelial cells (ECs) use glycolysis to produce energy. In preclinical models of peripheral arterial disease, further activation of EC glycolysis was ineffective or deleterious in promoting hypoxia-dependent angiogenesis, whereas pentose phosphate pathway activation was effective. Hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, pentose phosphate pathway, and glycolysis are closely linked. Glucosamine directly activates hexosamine biosynthesis pathway.

METHODS

Hind-limb ischemia in endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout (eNOS-/-) and BALB/c mice was used. Glucosamine (600 μg/g per day) was injected intraperitoneally. Blood flow recovery was assessed using laser Doppler perfusion imaging and angiogenesis was studied by CD31 immunostaining. In vitro, human umbilical vein ECs and mouse microvascular ECs with glucosamine, L-glucose, or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165a) were tested under hypoxia and serum starvation. Cell Counting Kit-8, tube formation, intracellular reactive oxygen species, electric cell-substrate impedance sensing, and fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran permeability were assessed. Glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation were assessed by seahorse assay. Gene expression was assessed using RNA sequencing, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot. Human muscle biopsies from patients with peripheral arterial disease were assessed for EC O-GlcNAcylation before and after supervised exercise versus standard medical care.

RESULTS

On day 3 after hind-limb ischemia, glucosamine-treated versus control eNOS-/- mice had less necrosis (n=4 or 5 per group). Beginning on day 7 after hind-limb ischemia, glucosamine-treated versus control BALB/c mice had higher blood flow, which persisted to day 21, when ischemic muscles showed greater CD31 staining per muscle fiber (n=8 per group). In vitro, glucosamine versus L-glucose ECs showed improved survival (n=6 per group) and tube formation (n=6 per group). RNA sequencing of glucosamine versus L-glucose ECs showed increased amino acid metabolism (n=3 per group). That resulted in increased oxidative phosphorylation (n=8-12 per group) and serine biosynthesis pathway without an increase in glycolysis or pentose phosphate pathway genes (n=6 per group). This was associated with better barrier function (n=6-8 per group) and less reactive oxygen species (n=7 or 8 per group) compared with activating glycolysis by VEGF165a. These effects were mediated by activating transcription factor 4, a driver of exercise-induced angiogenesis. In muscle biopsies from humans with peripheral arterial disease, EC/O-GlcNAcylation was increased by 12 weeks of supervised exercise versus standard medical care (n=6 per group).

CONCLUSIONS

In cells, mice, and humans, activation of hexosamine biosynthesis pathway by glucosamine in peripheral arterial disease induces an "exercise-like" angiogenesis and offers a promising novel therapeutic pathway to treat this challenging disorder.

Association between tissue loss type and amputation risk among Medicare patients with concomitant diabetes and peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

Prior studies have described risk factors associated with amputation in patients with concomitant diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (DM/PAD). However, the association between the severity and extent of tissue loss type and amputation risk remains less well-described. We aimed to quantify the role of different tissue loss types in amputation risk among patients with DM/PAD, in the context of demographic, preventive, and socioeconomic factors.

METHODS

Applying International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 codes to Medicare claims data (2007-2019), we identified all patients with continuous fee-for-service Medicare coverage diagnosed with DM/PAD. Eight tissue loss categories were established using ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes, ranging from lymphadenitis (least severe) to gangrene (most severe). We created a Cox proportional hazards model to quantify associations between tissue loss type and 1- and 5-year amputation risk, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, sex, rurality, income, comorbidities, and preventive factors. Regional variation in DM/PAD rates and risk-adjusted amputation rates was examined at the hospital referral region level.

RESULTS

We identified 12,257,174 patients with DM/PAD (48% male, 76% White, 10% prior myocardial infarction, 30% chronic kidney disease). Although 2.2 million patients (18%) had some form of tissue loss, 10.0 million patients (82%) did not. The 1-year crude amputation rate (major and minor) was 6.4% in patients with tissue loss, and 0.4% in patients without tissue loss. Among patients with tissue loss, the 1-year any amputation rate varied from 0.89% for patients with lymphadenitis to 26% for patients with gangrene. The 1-year amputation risk varied from two-fold for patients with lymphadenitis (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.43-2.69) to 29-fold for patients with gangrene (adjusted hazard ratio, 28.7; 95% confidence interval, 28.1-29.3), compared with patients without tissue loss. No other demographic variable including age, sex, race, or region incurred a hazard ratio for 1- or 5-year amputation risk higher than the least severe tissue loss category. Results were similar across minor and major amputation, and 1- and 5-year amputation outcomes. At a regional level, higher DM/PAD rates were inversely correlated with risk-adjusted 5-year amputation rates (R2 = 0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Among 12 million patients with DM/PAD, the most significant predictor of amputation was the presence and extent of tissue loss, with an association greater in effect size than any other factor studied. Tissue loss could be used in awareness campaigns as a simple marker of high-risk patients. Patients with any type of tissue loss require expedited wound care, revascularization as appropriate, and infection management to avoid amputation. Establishing systems of care to provide these interventions in regions with high amputation rates may prove beneficial for these populations.

Obese have comparable ankle brachial pressure index but higher β-cell function and insulin resistance as compared to normal-weight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

OBJECTIVES

To compare ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) in normal weight and obese/overweight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (T2DM) to see the impact of obesity on the occurrence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in T2DM patients. Secondly to investigate the relationship between ABPI, insulin resistance, and beta cell function and between adipocytokines and obesity parameters.

METHODS

A total of 120 BMI-categorized Normal weight (NW) T2DM (n = 53) patients and obese/overweight T2DM (n = 67) patients were recruited in this study. ABPI measurements were performed for the assessment of PAD. The anthropometry and body composition of the patients were measured. Plasma fasting insulin, adiponectin, and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA kits.

RESULTS

ABPI scores were found to be comparable between both groups of patients (p = 0.787). A significant positive correlation was observed between ABPI and beta cell function. Insulin resistance was found to correlate positively while adiponectin negatively with obesity parameters.

CONCLUSION

The ABPI score was comparable between both groups of patients, suggesting that vascular complications may occur at the same rate in NW as well as in obese/overweight diabetic patients. The positive association of insulin resistance as well as the negative association of adiponectin with obesity parameters, are suggestive of the importance of body fat distribution in predicting insulin resistance and the inflammatory status of the cells.

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene caused by urosepsis: Case reports and literature review

RATIONALE

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a serious and rare complication in patients with urosepsis, characterized by distal limb symmetry impairment.

PATIENT CONCERNS

In this study, 3 cases of SPG caused by urosepsis were reported, and the Chinese and English literature on SPG caused by urosepsis was reviewed. The demographic, clinicopathological, treatment, and follow-up data of the patients were summarized and analyzed.

DIAGNOSIS

SPG was diagnosed with clinical symptoms.

INTERVENTIONS

We conducted urological invasive surgery, administered anti-infective therapy, implemented fluid resuscitation and blood product transfusion, provided mechanical ventilation support, optimized myocardial contractility, administered heparin and B vitamins, utilized papaverine for vasodilation, performed hemodialysis and plasma exchange, peripheral skin warming along with other treatment modalities.

OUTCOMES

Two patients died and 1 patient underwent autoamputation.

LESSONS

Our cases and literature review demonstrate that timely and accurate diagnosis, effective infection control, correction of hypoperfusion, organ function support, early management of disseminated intravascular coagulation, avoidance of premature amputation, and multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment are crucial for the successful treatment of SPG caused by urosepsis.

Vessel Geometry Estimation for Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease

The estimation of vessels' centerlines is a critical step in assessing the geometry of the vessel, the topological representation of the vessel tree, and vascular network visualization. In this research, we present a novel method for obtaining geometric parameters from peripheral arteries in 3D medical binary volumes. Our approach focuses on centerline extraction, which yields smooth and robust results. The procedure starts with a segmented 3D binary volume, from which a distance map is generated using the Euclidean distance transform. Subsequently, a skeleton is extracted, and seed points and endpoints are identified. A search methodology is used to derive the best path on the skeletonized 3D binary array while tracking from the goal points to the seed point. We use the distance transform to calculate the distance between voxels and the nearest vessel surface, while also addressing bifurcations when vessels divide into multiple branches. The proposed method was evaluated on 22 real cases and 10 synthetically generated vessels. We compared our method to different state-of-the-art approaches and demonstrated its better performance. The proposed method achieved an average error of 1.382 mm with real patient data and 0.571 mm with synthetic data, both of which are lower than the errors obtained by other state-of-the-art methodologies. This extraction of the centerline facilitates the estimation of multiple geometric parameters of vessels, including radius, curvature, and length.

A Review of Peripheral Artery Disease in Diabetic Patients in Sub-Saharan Africa

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremities and is associated with an increased risk of amputation and cardiovascular events. The interplay between diabetes and PAD is complex, influenced by shared risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. High rates of undiagnosed diabetes, coupled with barriers to accessing care, contribute to the complexity of managing PAD. Unique to the Sub-Sahara region is associations with communicable diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis which further complicates the epidemiological landscape. Comprehensive management strategies, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and revascularization procedures, are essential. However, the region faces challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure and high costs of treatment. This narrative review highlights the epidemiology of PAD in people with diabetes, the risk factors associated with PAD, the impact of PAD on the morbidity and mortality of individuals with diabetes, as well as the management of PAD in individuals with diabetes, with attention geared toward Sub-Saharan Africa These insights are critical for developing effective strategies to mitigate the burden of PAD in diabetes, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Further research is essential to understand the associations between diabetes and other diseases in the region.

Evaluating diabetic foot care knowledge and practices at education level

Diabetic foot is one of the complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Adequate knowledge and practice are an important aspect to control further deteriorating conditions such as ulcers and amputations. Thus, the objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the impact of the education levels of diabetic patients on diabetic foot care knowledge and practice. This cross-sectional study with a convenient sampling technique was conducted on 534 patients with diabetes mellitus from public and private care hospitals. The data was collected using a validated, pretested and structured bilingual (Arabic, English) questionnaire. There were 534 patients interviewed, 39.1% of whom were males and 60.9% of whom were females and 61.4% of the patients had had T2DM for over 10 years. There was a significant difference in education levels between the male and female patients (53.8% and 46.2%, P = .001). Furthermore, 83.9% patients were married. The difference in education between the married and the single, divorced, and widowed patients was significant (P = .007). Patients with uncontrolled HbA1c were 2.43 times more likely to have hypertension (RR = 2.43, P = .03), while patients with highly uncontrolled diabetes had 3.1 times more chances of hypertension (RR = 3.1, P = .009). Heart disease prevalence was 3.27 times higher in diabetes patients with uncontrolled HbA1c and 3.37 times higher in patients with highly uncontrolled HbA1c. Patients with diabetes who have been diabetic for more than 10 years have a greater risk of heart disease (RR = 2.1; P = .03). Patients with lower education levels exhibited more diabetic complications compared to patients with higher education levels (P < .05). The present study highlights the importance of education and awareness campaigns targeting diabetic patients, especially those with lower education levels, to improve diabetes control and prevent, or manage, comorbidities. Healthcare providers should also prioritize patient education and medication adherence to improve diabetes management and reduce the risk of complications.

Early screening for foot problems in people with diabetes is the need of the hour: 'Save the Feet and Keep Walking Campaign' in India

INTRODUCTION

Evidence on the prevalence of foot problems among people with diabetes in India at a national level is lacking. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the burden of high-risk (HR) feet in people with diabetes across India.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional national-level project 'Save the Feet and Keep Walking' campaign was conducted by the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) from July 10, 2022 to August 10, 2022. A modified version of 3 min foot examination was used to assess the foot problems. Around 10 000 doctors with RSSDI membership were trained online to conduct foot screening and provided a standardised monofilament for detection of loss of protective sensation. People with diabetes aged >18 years who visited the clinics during the study period were examined for foot problems. Data were collected online using the semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 33 259 participants with complete information were included for the final analysis. The foot at risk was categorised based on International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot guidelines 2023.

RESULTS

Nearly 75% of the participants were aged above 45 years. Around 49% had diabetes duration >5 years and uncontrolled diabetes (hemoglobin A1c >8%). Presence of history of f