Conference Resources | Abstracts
September 3
rd
– 6
th
, 2014 | Toronto, Canada |
260
P171
Prevalence and awareness of functional and structural foot abnormalities in children and
adolescents with type 1 diabetes
B.G. Schickenberg-Werrij
1
, A. Wever
1
, D.A. Schott
1
1
Atrium Medical Center, Pediatrics, Heerlen, Netherlands
Objectives:
Literature shows that abnormal peripheral nerve conduction is seen in young insulin
dependant diabetic patients. Therefore, ISPAD guideline 2011 advises annual podiatric screening to
detect late-onset foot complications and identify other possible risk factors such as functional and
structural foot abnormalities. Annual podiatric screening in children and adolescents with T1DM is
uncommon in standard diabetes care in the southern part of the Netherlands. The aim of this study
was to assess the prevalence and awareness of functional and structural foot abnormalities in children
and adolescents with T1DM.
Research design and methods:
All patients aged 0-18 years with T1DM were invited for a foot
examination by a certified podiatrist. History of foot problems, foot care habits and awareness of long-
term complications were assessed by structured questionnaires.
Results:
Data were obtained from all 127 children. The average age of patients was 13 years with a
mean duration of T1DM of 6.03 years (range 0-16 years). Mean HbA1c was 72.5 mmol/mol (1 sd =
17.5 mmol/mol). Sixty-nine percent of patients were treated with an insulin pump. Twenty-five percent
(n=4) children ever visited a podiatrist. Preliminary results show significant structural and functional
foot problems in 94% (n=15) of these children. Forty-four percent (n=6) of the children lacked properly
fitting shoes. None of the examined feet show long-term complications. The awareness level of the
importance of foot care in relation to late onset complications was 88% (n=14). Nevertheless, none of
the participants checked their feet and shoes daily. Seventy-five percent (n=12) of the patients
checked their feet weekly.
Conclusions:
Functional and structural foot abnormalities are a frequent problem in children and
adolescents with T1DM. Although there is awareness of the long-term complications, little attention is
paid to foot care. Education and implementation of the guideline are necessary.
