Cross-Sectional Analysis of Protective Foot Sensation and Complications in 387 Type 2 Diabetes Patients

This retrospective cross-sectional study examined clinical characteristics and protective foot sensation status among 387 patients with Type 2 diabetes diagnosed with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Conducted at University Hospital Sharjah, the research aimed to identify differences in patient profiles based on protective foot sensation status. Follow-up duration was not reported, and the study was published as an abstract.

The primary exposure assessed was protective foot sensation status, categorized as Loss of Protective sensation versus Reduced protective sensation. Prevalence results showed that 45% of the cohort experienced Loss of Protective sensation, while 55% had Reduced protective sensation. No effect size or confidence intervals were reported for these prevalence figures.

Predictors associated with Loss of Protective sensation included smoking, ulcer history, amputation, and severe Chronic Kidney Disease. Smoking demonstrated an odds ratio of 38.91, while severe CKD showed an odds ratio of 6.04. Ulcer history and amputation had odds ratios of 3.35 and 3.46, respectively. Patients with Loss of Protective sensation exhibited higher rates of smoking, renal dysfunction, dyslipidemia, foot complications, and osteomyelitis compared to the comparator group.

Safety data regarding adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, and tolerability were not reported. The study design is observational, meaning associations are reported but causation is not established. P-values were truncated in the source text, limiting statistical interpretation. Findings emphasize the need for early detection and targeted interventions to prevent Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy progression, but certainty is limited by the abstract format and cross-sectional design.