Diabetic foot risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Anahita Deylamsalehi, M.D.[2]

There are numerous risk factors for diabetic foot development in a diabetic patient, such as poor glycaemic control, inappropriate foot care and footwear, foot deformities, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, history of previous foot ulcer or amputation, infection, high body mass index, and poor socioeconomic status. Other comorbidities such as hypertension and dyslipidemia are also responsible risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration.

• Common risk factors in the development of diabetic foot include:^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]}
  • Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (poor glycaemic control and high HbA1c)
  • Prolonged diabetes mellitus (more than 10 years)
  • Old age
  • Poor foot care
  • Male gender
  • Previous history of foot ulcer
  • Foot deformities
  • Peripheral arterial disease
  • High plantar pressure
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Impaired cutaneous oxygenation
  • History of previous amputation
  • Infection
  • Inappropriate footwears
  • Bare foot walking (as it is a cultural practice in some nations)
  • Poor socioeconomic status
  • Diastolic hypertension
  • Dyslipidemia
  • High body mass index (BMI)
  • Improper nail care
  • Burn
  • Smoking or tobacco chewing
  • Alcohol