Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic foot syndrome in type 2 diabetes: Clinical utility of the IWGDF risk classification
International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s13410-026-01650-x
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Diabetic foot care, IWGDF classification, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Peripheral neuropathy
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) remains a major cause of morbidity and amputation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Early risk identification is essential, yet real-world data on the application of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) risk classification is limited. Objective : This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of DFS risk using the IWGDF criteria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 530 T2DM patients without active foot ulcers attending an outpatient diabetes clinic. Each participant underwent a comprehensive foot examination and was classified into four IWGDF risk categories. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters were compared across risk groups using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Among 530 participants (mean age: X ± SD; 55% female), 24.2% were classified as moderate risk and 20.8% as high risk, while 10% had an undiagnosed ulcer at the initial assessment. Higher risk categories were significantly associated with older age (p < 0.001), longer diabetes duration (p < 0.001), higher HbA1c (p = 0.012), and increased waist circumference (p < 0.001). Renal dysfunction, including reduced GFR (p < 0.001) and microalbuminuria (p < 0.001), showed significant associations with increasing risk categories. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease progressively increased across risk levels (p < 0.001 for both). Conclusions: Nearly half of patients without clinical symptoms were at moderate-to-high DFS risk. Routine implementation of IWGDF-based screening in outpatient care can enable early identification of high-risk individuals, optimize preventive strategies, and potentially reduce ulceration and amputation rates.