The association between body mass index and foot ulcer among patients with diabetes mellitus, Wad Medani, Sudan

Abstract

Introduction: Globally about 463 million people are living with diabetes mellitus (DM) which is estimated to rise to 700 million by 2045; 80% are in middle and low-income countries. Recent studies have shown that body mass index (BMI) was one of the significant predictors, along with nephropathy and retinopathy, of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Objective: To assess the association between BMI and DFU in Wad Medani town, Gezira state, Sudan. Method: The study was based on primary data obtained via a cross sectional random sample of 400 patients with DM presenting at Aldarga Diabetic Centre in Wad Medani. The data collection tool was a structured questionnaire designed in English and translated into Arabic for the field survey. Data were analysed with SPSS version 20, using frequency tables and chi-square tests. Results: Of the 400 participants, 208 were diagnosed with foot ulcer. There was a statistically significant association between BMI and DFU. A total of 134 (56%) of the 239 overweight patients had diabetic foot ulcers compared to 74 (46%) of the 161 who were not overweight (p=0.04). Conclusion: The result suggests a significant association between BMI and DFU at our Diabetic Centre.