ASSESSMENT OF PREVALENCE, RISK FACTORS AND TREATMENT OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS IN TYPE - 2 DIABETES PATIENTS

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are among the most serious and disabling complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, leading to prolonged hospitalisation, infection, lower-limb amputation, and increased mortality, especially in rural populations. This hospital-based retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence, associated risk factors, and treatment patterns of diabetic foot ulcers among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study was conducted over a period of six months in the Department of General Surgery at SVS Medical College and Hospital, Mahbubnagar, and included 50 patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, risk factors, laboratory parameters including random blood glucose and HbA1c, ulcer severity, and treatment modalities were analysed using appropriate statistical methods. The results indicated that DFUs were most common among patients aged 50–70 years, with a higher prevalence in males. Hypertension was the predominant risk factor among females, while smoking was more common among males. Mild ulcers were observed in 22 patients, moderate ulcers in 12, and severe ulcers in 16 patients. Treatment strategies primarily included antibiotic therapy, insulin administration, wound dressing, debridement, and pain management. The findings emphasise the importance of early diagnosis, effective glycemic control, risk-factor modification, patient education, and multidisciplinary management to reduce complications and improve clinical outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.