Ahi : Investigating the Knowledge about Diabetic Foot Complications in Diabetic Patients in Barakahu

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) resulting from insufficient insulin production, impaired insulin action, or both. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps regulate blood sugar, and its dysfunction leads to various fonns of diabetes, including Type 1 (autoinunune destruction of insulin-producing cells), Type 2 (insulin resistance and inadequateproduction), and gestational diabetes (occurs during pregnancy). The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to determine the level of foot care awareness and the prevalence of diabetic foot problems across diabetic patients in Barakahu, Islamabad. The study, which used structured questionnaire to gather information on footcare knowledge as well as the prevalence of diabetic foot problems, involved 171 diabetes patients in total. The fmdings showed that diabetic foot problems were present in 25.7% of cases, with ulcers being the most prevalent. Infections, gangrene, and skin abnormalities were the next most common complications. People who were younger showed more understanding than those who were older, and men knew more about foot care than women did. Males had a greater risk of problems despite having better knowledge levels, indicating that information by itself does not necessarily translate into good foot care habits. This research also found that in order to fill up knowledge gaps and reduce difficulties, more education campaigns are needed, especially for women and older persons. This study emphasizes the value of customized teaching programs to enhance diabetic foot care behaviours in marginalized communities.