FOOT PATHOLOGY IN INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES

Objectives-Foot pathology is a major source of morbidity in adults wit h diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine if children with in sulin dependent diabetes have an increased incidence of foot pathology compared with non-diabetic children. Design-Questionnaire, clinical e xamination, and biomechanical assessment. Subjects-67 diabetic childre n and a comparison group matched for age, sex, and social class. Resul ts-We found significantly more foot pathology in the children with dia betes (52 children) than the comparison group (28 children); with more biomechanical anomalies (58 children with diabetes, 34 comparison gro up); and a higher incidence of abnormal skin conditions (53 children w ith diabetes, 27 comparison group). Forty two children with diabetes h ad received foot health education compared with 27 in the comparison g roup, but the study revealed ignorance and misconceptions among the di abetic group, and previous contact with a podiatrist was minimal. Conc lusions-The survey suggests that children with diabetes have an increa sed incidence of foot pathology justifying greater input of podiatric care in the hope of preventing later problems.