The onset of a diabetic foot ulcer is a severe complication.Our aim was to study if diabetes complications are better managed in Type 1 diabetes subjects on insulin pump therapy presenting with a diabetic foot problem.
We extracted data on T1 DM, from our electronic registry during the last 5 yrs.AIM: to study if insulin pump users had different mangement of diabetic foot.
Population: 193 insulin pump users admitted to our outpatient diabetic foot clinic (23.3% first access). Mean age was 37.7 ± 6,9 (M ± SD). 90% of users ( 73% not users) underwent a diabetic foot screening procedure before, 70% vs 63% screened for diabetic retinopathy (p < 0.05). Mean HbA1c was not different (7.9 ± 1,6 vs 8.0 ± 1.7 %) . LDL was < 100 mg/dl in 55% of both. Among T1 DM subjects (users vs not users) BMI was > 30 in 13,3% vs 18,2%, eGFR < 60 ml/min 66,7% vs 33 %, CV event in 3,3% vs 4,5%, Microalbuminuria 26,7% vs 31,3 %, diabetic retinopathy rate and blood pressure levels were not different. No maior amputation rate was registered in users 3% in non users, lesser degree amputation in 3,3% and 3.5%.
Insulin pump users may have a better management of diabetes related complications, apart from glucose control, due to a more intensive follow-up scheduled for them that does not overlook any action of diabetes care. This may improve the outcome of diabetic foot and diabetes-oriented databases may help us in controlling health care procedures.