The Prevalence of Diabetic Foot Disease in the Waikato Region

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of diabetic foot disease in the Waikato region. Diabetic foot disease is a well-recognised and serious complication of diabetes. The prevalence is unknown in the New Zealand population. Understanding both the prevalence and severity of foot disease in the diabetes population is necessary in helping to predict the need for podiatry services in people with diabetes. It is also important to be able to target those at most risk for regular monitoring. 3850 people with diabetes who attended the Waikato Regional Diabetes Service mobile retinal photo screening service over a six month period in 2014 were invited to participate. Of this group, 2192 people consented to a foot screen including testing for sensation and pedal pulses. A digital image was taken of the dorsal and plantar aspect of each foot for review by a registered Podiatrist. The foot screen was performed at the same appointment as the retinal photo screen. Thirteen percent of the study sample were identified as having a high risk foot including active foot complications. Sixty five percent were categorised as low risk and a further 22% at moderate risk of diabetic foot disease. Factors that were identified to be significant included age, type of diabetes, duration of diabetes, and smoking. These all placed people more at risk of diabetic foot disease. Surprisingly, ethnicity was not identified as a significant factor. However, those who attended rural based clinics were more likely to be at high risk. All the findings were consistent with international research. This study has highlighted the need for more podiatry services to address diabetic foot disease. Foot screening is easy to perform and should be included in future planning to meet the ever growing need of New Zealanders with diabetes.