In older diabetic patients, the occurrence of hypertension, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), and low grip strength were significantly linked with diabetes-related foot disease (DFD). Also, the risk of DFD was higher in patients with DPN plus hypertension. 

In DFD, there is formation of ulcers, infection, reduced blood flow, or neuro-arthropathy of the foot in diabetic patients. This study was carried to explore a possible link between DFD and diabetes and; issues associated with older age in the geriatric population (≥ 65 years old) with diabetes.

Total 562 outpatients with diabetes (≥ 65 years old) were assessed for DFD. Patient demographics, issues due to diabetes, treatment technique, and issues due to age were all noted. The variation in issues was compared between patients having and not having DFD. The possible links of DFD with issues due to diabetes and age were determined via logistic regression analysis.

Overall, 246 patients (43.8%) had DFD. Low grip strength, hypertension, and DPN were found to be significantly linked with DFD. As compared to patients with DPN or hypertension alone, the patients with DPN plus hypertension were more prone to DFD.

As compared to just low grip strength, the patients with DPN plus low grip strength were at a lesser risk. Low grip strength should be regarded just as important as any issue due to diabetes when keeping in view DFD in older diabetic patients.

Hypertension, DPN, and low grip strength are considerably related to DFD in older patients suffering from diabetes.