Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diabetic Foot Syndrome in Patients with Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

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Published: 2026-05-06
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61919/zsatqh14
Keywords:
Diabetic foot syndrome; type 2 diabetes mellitus; peripheral neuropathy; peripheral arterial disease; HbA1c; risk factors

Main Article Content

Haider Khan
Faculty of Paramedical and Allied Health Sciences, National Institute of Medical Sciences, Kohat, Pakistan
Sakina Bibi Silachi
Govt Girls Degree College, Sibi, Balochistan, Pakistan
Amena Bibi
Charge Nurse, Social Security Hospital Shahdara Lahore / Post-RN, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Aqsa Elahi
Research Assistant, Health Services Academy, Pakistan, ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6409-081X
Muqaddas Zubair
Department of Physiotherapy, CMH Abbottabad, Pakistan
Hafiz Yaseen Khan
Department of Allied Health Sciences, City University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan
Noor ul Ain
Department of Physical Therapy, Yaseen Rehab Center, Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot syndrome is a disabling and potentially preventable complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly among patients with poor glycemic control, where neuropathic, vascular, metabolic, and infectious factors contribute to ulceration and limb-threatening complications. Objective: To determine the prevalence of diabetic foot syndrome and identify associated risk factors among patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 320 adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected using a structured proforma. All participants underwent diabetic foot assessment, including evaluation for peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, deformity, ulceration, and infection. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests and independent-samples t-tests, while independent predictors were identified through multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of diabetic foot syndrome was 28.8% (92/320). Peripheral neuropathy was present in 41.3% and peripheral arterial disease in 29.1% of participants. Patients with DFS had higher age, longer diabetes duration, higher HbA1c, and greater BMI than non-DFS patients. Independent predictors of DFS were peripheral arterial disease (AOR: 6.44, 95% CI: 3.39–12.2), peripheral neuropathy (AOR: 5.82, 95% CI: 3.21–10.5), HbA1c ≥8% (AOR: 3.76, 95% CI: 2.01–7.02), diabetes duration >10 years (AOR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.54–5.42), and smoking (AOR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.05–3.54). Conclusion: Diabetic foot syndrome is highly prevalent among poorly controlled T2DM patients and is strongly associated with neuropathy, PAD, poor glycemic control, prolonged diabetes duration, and smoking. Early screening, metabolic optimization, and multidisciplinary diabetic foot care are essential to prevent ulceration, infection, and amputation

Article Details

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Vol. 4 No. 9 (2026): Volume 4, Issue 9 (May 2026)

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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

1.
Haider Khan, Sakina Bibi Silachi, Amena Bibi, Aqsa Elahi, Muqaddas Zubair, Hafiz Yaseen Khan, et al. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diabetic Foot Syndrome in Patients with Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study. JHWCR [Internet]. 2026 May 6 [cited 2026 May 7];4(9):1-10. Available from: https://jhwcr.com/index.php/jhwcr/article/view/1560

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