Abstract

STUDY DESIGN : Cross sectional observational study
PURPOSE : To investigate the correlation between grades of diabetic retinopathy and severity of diabetic foot ulcers.
METHODS: Examined 62 diabetic patients with foot ulcers, grading DR using the ETDRS classification and foot ulcers using the Wagner's grading system
RESULTS: The patient associations are as follows: Grade 0 foot ulcers – 9% with no DR changes, 1% with Mild NPDR. Grade 1 foot ulcers – 11% with no DR changes, 9% with Mild NPDR, and 3% with Moderate NPDR. Grade 2 foot ulcers – 1% with no DR changes, 4% with Mild NPDR, and 12% with Moderate NPDR. Grade 3 foot ulcers – 12% with Moderate NPDR, 11% with Severe NPDR, and 4% with PDR. Grade 4 foot ulcers – 1% with Severe NPDR and 6% with PDR. Grade 5 foot ulcers – 1% with Severe NPDR and PDR
CONCLUSION: Elderly individuals with long-standing diabetes are at higher risk of retinopathy and foot ulcers. Early detection and treatment can prevent severe vision impairment or blindness