Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Foot Problems Common Among Dialysis Patients

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?
Foot problems are common among people with diabetes. Most often, they occur because of nerve damage or poor blood circulation in the feet and legs. People with diabetes can develop serious ulcers (open sores) on their feet that are likely to get infected and are difficult to heal. As a result, people with diabetes are more likely than others to eventually need foot or leg amputations. Studies have shown that diabetic foot problems are more common among some ethnic groups than others. Studies have also found links between foot problems and other complications of diabetes, such as kidney disease. More study is needed to fully understand such links and how they may help to identify those in need of help to avoid foot problems and amputations.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?
The researchers wanted to learn more about how frequent foot problems are among people from different ethnic groups who have diabetes and advanced kidney disease.

Who was studied?
The study included 466 patients with diabetes from different ethnic backgrounds in the United States and the United Kingdom. The patients were receiving dialysis therapy for kidney failure.

Read entire article here

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