Abstract

Purpose: To provide baseline data for prevention and education of diabetic foot in Korea. Materials and Methods: 216 diabetic patients are included in this survey. The average age is 58.64 year old with average 9.92 years of diabetes mellitus periods. Among them, 41% used insulin injection, 42% oral medication, 14% both and 3% diet were used for their blood sugar control. The diabetic foot survey was done. Results: The survey of patients symptom and disease of their feet results: 49% had sensory decrease in their feet. Associated disease in foot were callus(15%), heel pain(10%), bunion(4%), toe deformity(2%), Tinea pedis were 9%, tingle sensation were 17%, and swelling on feet were 2%, The survey of patients privious history of foot problems are: 8% had previous operation history on their feet and 17% had history of infection on their feet, 23% had bullae history, The survey of patients prevention and education are: Those who have had more than one diabetic foot education were 45.7%, and among them 24% had routine regular foot check up. Only 5% wear special diabetic shoe and 3% had custom orthotics. Conclusion: Interests to diabetic foot care is increasing in diabetic patients in Korea. However still we need more education, and efforts for prevention. Special education and diabetic shoe is still low, The survey data could be good baseline for diabetic prevention and education.

Keywords

• diabetic foot;
• prevention