OBJECTIVE: to describe factors associated with the development of diabetic foot ulcer among patients from primary health care settings regarding demographic variables, medical history, and risk for vascular complications. METHODS: data were collected through interviews and feet examination, which consisted of dermatological, structural, circulatory, and neurological evaluation and classified according to Sims and colleagues. RESULTS: the average age of the individuals with diabetes was 58.5±8.5 years old, had diabetes for 8.7±6.7 years, and had few years of elementary education. In terms of past medical history, 73% of the patients with diabetes also had high blood pressure and 22% had high cholesterol. They had an average blood glucose levels of 159±79 mg/dl and an average glycemic control (HbA1c) of 7.8±2%. Feet exam revealed that 73% of the patient had inadequate nail hygiene/trimming, 63% had dry/scaly skin, 52% had altered nail shape, 49% had corns/cracks, and 33% had flat foot. Regarding vascular risk classification, 7.9% had plantar loss of sensitivity and 6.9% had both plantar insensitivity and feet deformity. CONCLUSION: the findings suggest that such alterations could be prevented through nursing interventions and feet care education.
Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic foot ulcer; Risk factors; Primary care services
