Original paper
Evaluation of patients’ knowledge about diabetic foot syndrome prophylaxis

Introduction:Diabetic foot syndrome is a significant medical problem. Many people with diabetes, who do not have this medical condition as a result of injury, approximately forty to sixty percent, have lower limb amputations. The causes of diabetic foot syndrome are: high blood glucose level, high artery blood pressure, diet rich in unhealthy fats, and a high cholesterol level. The most important causes of this disease are smoking habit, alcohol abuse and incorrect foot care. In order to prevent a patient from having this disease, a patient must participate with their doctor in specific therapy. This therapy may include: thorough education of the patient so they personally know how to eliminate risk factors of this disease, and if they do have the disease then they can learn how to monitor and possibly prevent further growth.
Aim:The aim of the research was to evaluate patients’ knowledge about causes, symptoms and diabetic foot syndrome prophylaxis. The patients’ expectations in health education were also evaluated.
Material and methods:The research surveyed 100 people aged 18 to 75 with recognizable diabetes (86% type 2 and 14% type 1). The research was conducted in the Endocrinology Clinic, Diabetic and Internal Diseases University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok with the help of a self-constructed questionnaire containing 52 questions.
Results:The results led researchers to the following findings: the level of patients’ knowledge about diabetic foot syndrome is unsatisfactory. Approximately half of the patients knew about the risk factors leading to diabetic foot syndrome, and 1/4 were not able to indicate care products recommended for foot care for people with diabetes. Half of the surveyed patients evaluated their level of knowledge of diabetic foot syndrome as good, and 1/3 of those patients were in fact not knowledgeable. The patients expect the following information: about diabetic essence, diabetic foot syndrome risk factors, proper foot care, injury prophylaxis for the feet, information on how a simple wound can lead to amputation and to recommend proper footwear.
Conclusions:Based on the evaluations of this study I conclude that patients with diabetes require constant education, regardless of age, sex, whether they have type 1 or 2, when they first were diagnosed with the disease and their education level, complications prophylaxis, consistent education of patients and properly preparing them to participate in diabetic therapy and to calculate medical costs associated with this disease.