Functional assessment of feet of patients with type II diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of functional changes and risk of developing ulcers in type II diabetic patients seen in Primary Healthcare Units (Unidades Básicas de Saúde- UBS). Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study comprising 80patients with type II diabetes mellitus (DM) aged between 41 to 85 years and attended inthe UBS in the city of Parnaíba-PI. Volunteers responded to the identification form and theMichigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), followed by an evaluation of the lowerlimbs, as follows: achilles and patellar reflex, palpation of arterial pulses (dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial), tactile sensitivity (Monofilament 10g) and vibration sensitivity (128Hz tuning fork); identification of the presence of changes such as ingrown toenails, calluses,claw toes and hair loss. Finally, using the information acquired from the assessment, subjects were classified according to the risk of developing wounds. Results: The sample consisted of 76 diabetic patients, with average age of 63.8 ± 10.4 years, 63 (82.8%) were female, mean diagnostic time 8.8 ± 7.2 years, average body mass index (BMI) 28.2 ± 5.4 kg/m2, with 15.7% of the sample being smokers. The myotatic reflexes and arterial pulses were reduced. Tactile sensitivity was identified in 81.5% and 13.1% did not feel the vibration of the tuning fork. The most dominant changes identified were calluses, 76.3% (n = 58). Risk level 2 of developing ulcers stood out, 52.6% (n = 40). Conclusion: Functional changes were detected in the sample and a classification of risk 2 for developing wounds was found in more than 50% of the assessed patients. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5020/18061230.2013.p563

Keywords

• Diabetes Mellitus
• Neuropatias Diabéticas
• Complicações do Diabetes.