A clinical study of peripheral vascular disease in the lower limbs of diabetics

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects over 170 million people worldwide, with the global burden expected to rise to 366 million by 2030. Impaired insulin production or an insufficient response to released insulin are two of the most common causes of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a substantial risk factor for atherosclerosis, cardiovascular mortality, and morbidity. Materials and Methods: A Prospective Study was conducted at Department of General Surgery, Sri Venkateshwara Ramnarayan Ruya Government General Hospital, Tirupati. 100 Type II diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease were included in the study. Patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria are selected. Informed written consent would be taken from patients included in the study. Results: In the present study, 52% of the patients were aged above 50 years, 32% aged between 41 to 50 years and only 16% in patients below 40 years age. In the present study, 77% of the patients were males and only 23% were females. In the present study, 15% of the patients had diabetes for 1-5 years, 30% for 6-10 years, 55% of the patients had diabetes for >10 years. In the present study 18% of the patients has HbA1c < 6.5, 82% of the patients has HbA1c >6.5. In the present study, 26% of the patients presented with grade 5 disease, 14% had grade 4 disease, 20% had grade 3 disease, 21% had grade 2 disease and 19% had grade 1 disease according to fontaine classification. Conclusion: From this study, it was concluded that there is increased risk of PAD in diabetic patients who need regular checkups for early intervention. Control of diabetes decreases the progress of PAD. Amputations can be prevented by early detection, control of risk factors, appropriate medical management and endovascular procedures.