Characterization of patients treated for diabetic foot in San Pedro health area

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases. The main reason that makes diabetes a major health problem is the presence of complications. Diabetic foot ulcer is one of them, which, if it is not treated in time, can result in amputation. Objective: This article describes the characteristics of patients with diabetic foot in the health area of San Pedro, Belize, in a period of seven months. Method: A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out. The universe was made up of 89 patients treated with DM, from which a sample of 25 patients who have had diabetic foot was taken. Results: Patients older than 60 years predominated, with 10 cases for 40%. The most prevalent skin color was white, with 11 patients. The male sex predominated with 17 patients (68%) and regarding the school level, 12 patients only reached the primary level. Most of the patients had between 5 and 10 years from the diagnosis of DM. The main risk factors detected were low socioeconomic level and inadequate glycemic control. Neuropathic lesions were the most frequent, as well as Wagner's Grade II. Most of the patients evolved towards improvement, although the number of amputations was high. Most of the cases healed in a period of one month of treatment. Conclusions: The multidisciplinary evaluation of these patients, with adequate nursing care and the introduction of products that promote tissue regeneration, should lead to better results.