2026 Volume 7 Issue 2 Pages 161-164
Diabetic neuropathy is associated with serious complications, including ulcers, infections, gangrene, and eventual amputation, many of which occur in the foot. However, studies examining the risk factors for diabetic foot complications remain limited. We hypothesized that patients with a diabetes duration of more than 5 years, a history of heart disease (angina or myocardial infarction), and chronic kidney disease (Stage 3 or higher) have impaired vibratory sensation. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with diabetic foot complications in order to promote early detection.
This study included 130 patients who received foot care at our hospital’s diabetes clinic between June 2022 and June 2024 (mean age 67.4 years; 80 men and 50 women). We evaluated various factors, including age, sex, BMI, duration of diabetes, type of diabetes, HbA1c, the presence of oral medication or insulin therapy, history of heart disease, chronic kidney disease (Stage 1–2 vs. Stage 3–5), and dialysis status, and investigated their association with impaired vibratory sensation.
Vibratory sensation abnormalities were found in 51 out of 130 patients (36.4%). Factors associated with impaired vibratory sensation were age (p=0.009), diabetes duration of 5 years or more (p=0.038), and chronic kidney disease (Stage 1–2 vs. Stage 3–5) (p=0.047).
Risk factors for impaired vibration sensation in diabetic outpatients were older age, a diabetes duration of five years or longer, and stage 3 or higher chronic kidney disease.
