Safa AMARA

Introduction: Diabetic neuropathy is the most common chronic complication of diabetes. It is a heterogeneous condition including various types of nerve damage. The most prevalent form is symmetrical distal polyneuropathy, which is diagnosed clinically. It involves symmetric and bilateral impairment of nerves, mainly in the distal parts of the lower limbs. Pain associated with diabetic neuropathy is a major health issue and significantly impacts quality of life. The aim of our study is to examine podiatric disorders and quality of life in elderly diabetic patients with and without neuropathy. Patients and Methods: This is a case-control study involving 70 elderly diabetic patients (35 with neuropathy and 35 without), selected through non-probabilistic sampling over a 4-month period. Assessment included the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire, the DN4 score, and a complete clinical podiatric examination in an off-load podiatry assessment. Data entry and statistical analysis were conducted using SPSS version 25. Results: Our analysis revealed that elderly diabetic patients with neuropathy had significantly more comorbidities, trophic disorders, and podiatric issues. Comparison of average SF-36 scores and global quality of life scores between cases and controls showed significant differences across all assessed parameters. The overall score indicated a marked deterioration in both physical and mental health among cases compared to controls, with mean scores of 37.09 and 69.82, respectively (p

Background : Diabetes mellitus is a public health problem. Diabetic foot is one of its major complications and is secondary to neuropathy, arteriopathy, infectious and mechanical foot involvement. It is a major cause of lower limb amputation and thus of motor disability. Material and methods We propose a descriptive study of the main anomalies found in the examination of thefeet in 40 patients with type 1 diabetes. Results: The median age of our population was 34.5 years. The average duration of diabetes was 25.35 years. 15% of people have neuropathic pain, and about one third describe the pain as severe. Hallux valgus and claw toes were observed in 35% of patients and a Charcot foot was found in 2 patients. 10% of subjects already had stage 4 arterial disease and 10% had intermittent claudications. The results of the care of 3 patients through telemedicine are encouraging. Management was early and further damage was prevented. Conclusion: Foot involvement in diabetes mellitus is common and often severe. Early intervention, via telemedicine, could improve outcomes.