Open access publishing The Journal of Diabetic Foot Complications 40 Risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration among patients attending primary health care services

Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem with rising prevalence worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is a multi-system disease affecting many systems and tissues. Foot problems, including foot ulcerations, are common with diabetes. Foot ulceration risk factors are based on many factors and may differ from community to community. The objective of the study was to determine diabetic foot ulceration risk factors among Saudi patients with Type 2 diabetes in primary care centers. We designed a cross-sectional study and randomly selected 400 patients. Of the 400, 350 participated and completed a standard assessment form. Of the 350 subjects who participated, 57% were male and 43% were female. The prevalence of peripheral vascular disease was 15%, hallux valgus was 22.5%, inappropriate foot wear was 41%, and peripheral neuropathy was 47.5%. Peripheral neuropathy and inappropriate foot wear were the most common risk factors for foot ulceration