PREVALANCE OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS IN DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN.A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global public health challenge, linked with significant health issues, disability, and death. Among DM complications, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are particularly severe and are leading causes of hospitalization in diabetic patients, especially in developed countries. Assessing the prevalence and severity of DFUs is essential for effective prevention and management. Objective: To determine the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers among patients with diabetes mellitus in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study included 384 patients with diabetes mellitus, selected through non-probability purposive sampling from various hospitals in Lahore. Both male and female participants were evaluated for diabetic foot ulcers using the Wagner Grading System. The study was conducted over six months, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: A total of 384 people were included in the study, with an average age between 50 and 59 years. The study found that 77.3% of these people had diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The highest number of DFUs was seen in the 50 to 59 age group, making up 30.9% of all cases. More men than women had DFUs, with 59.7% of the participants being male and 40.3% female. Based on the Wagner classification, 37.5% of the participants had Grade 2 ulcers, which are deep ulcers that do not involve bones. 28.6% had Grade 1 ulcers, which are shallow ulcers. 24.5% had no ulcers (Grade 0). 6.8% had Grade 3 ulcers, which are deep ulcers with bone involvement, and 2.6% had Grade 4 ulcers, which involve gangrene in a specific area. Conclusion: The study concluded that the majority of DFU cases among patients with diabetes mellitus in Lahore were Grade 2 ulcers, with a higher prevalence in males compared to females. The age group most affected was 50–59 years, highlighting the need for targeted preventive strategies and early interventions in this high-risk group