Sedentary behavior increases risk of foot ulcer in Diabetic peripheral neuropathy: Study

UK: Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) who spend at least 12 hours of sedentary time are more likely to develop a foot ulcer, finds a recent study in the journal Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.

According to the study, sedentary behavior is an independent predictor of foot ulcer risk in DPN patients. This suggests that sedentary time should be monitored and standard care for diabetes patients should include strategies aimed at reducing it. 

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus affecting about 1 in 4 people with diabetes. Foot ulceration and its sequelae are associated with greater mortality and poor quality of life. 

Giorgio Orlando, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK, and colleagues aimed to prospectively explore the association between sedentary time (SED-time) and the development of diabetic foot ulcer in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. 

175 DPN patients who attended the annual evaluation for the SAMBA Study (2012-2019) were included. Main outcome measure was the first diagnosis of DFU. Using the PAS 2.1 questionnaire, the researchers measured the SED-time. 

Nerve function was evaluated by nerve conduction studies. Vascular function was assessed by Ankle-brachial index (ABI) and pedal pulses. Foot deformity and skin dryness were examined by visual inspection. 

"SED-time is an independent predictor of the risk of DFU in people with DPN. The monitoring of SED-time with strategies aimed at reducing it should be included in the standard care of diabetic patients," concluded the authors. 

Reference:

The study titled, "Sedentary behaviour is an independent predictor of diabetic foot ulcer development: An 8-Year prospective study," is published in the journal Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.

DOI: https://www.diabetesresearchclinicalpractice.com/article/S0168-8227(21)00236-9/fulltext