<b>Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diabetic Foot Syndrome in Patients with Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study</b>

Background: Diabetic foot syndrome is a disabling and potentially preventable complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly among patients with poor glycemic control, where neuropathic, vascular, metabolic, and infectious factors contribute to ulceration and limb-threatening complications. Objective: To determine the prevalence of diabetic foot syndrome and identify associated risk factors among patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 320 adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected using a structured proforma. All participants underwent diabetic foot assessment, including evaluation for peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, deformity, ulceration, and infection. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests and independent-samples t-tests, while independent predictors were identified through multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of diabetic foot syndrome was 28.8% (92/320). Peripheral neuropathy was present in 41.3% and peripheral arterial disease in 29.1% of participants. Patients with DFS had higher age, longer diabetes duration, higher HbA1c, and greater BMI than non-DFS patients. Independent predictors of DFS were peripheral arterial disease (AOR: 6.44, 95% CI: 3.39–12.2), peripheral neuropathy (AOR: 5.82, 95% CI: 3.21–10.5), HbA1c ≥8% (AOR: 3.76, 95% CI: 2.01–7.02), diabetes duration >10 years (AOR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.54–5.42), and smoking (AOR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.05–3.54). Conclusion: Diabetic foot syndrome is highly prevalent among poorly controlled T2DM patients and is strongly associated with neuropathy, PAD, poor glycemic control, prolonged diabetes duration, and smoking. Early screening, metabolic optimization, and multidisciplinary diabetic foot care are essential to prevent ulceration, infection, and amputation