Predictors of Diabetic Foot Ulcers Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Due to the high prevalence of diabetic complications among Iraqi people.Objectives: A comprehensive study was needed to identify the factors which associated with diabetic foot ulcers, and to provide evidence necessary support early risk assessment and preventive interventions. Methods: cross-sectional comparative study conducted with 179 patients (patients were divided in to two groups: firs one is diabetic foot ulcers and the second who haven’t ulcer), from Al-Kindi Hospital in Baghdad, samples were collecting and analyzed between March 19 and April 25, 2026. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the demographic variables (age, sex, education level), medical history (duration of illness, glaciated hemoglobin level, type of treatment), sensory neuropathy symptoms (numbness, nighttime pain/burning, loss of temperature sensation, duration of symptoms), physical examination results (skin condition, changes in color and temperature, muscle weakness or cramps, objective sensitivity testing, foot pulse assessment), and foot care behaviors (daily foot examination, washing and drying between toes, safe nail trimming, history of previous ulcers, history of previous amputation. Conclusion: factors associated with the risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers, age, gender, education level, disease duration , poor diet controlling, neurovascular disease, and foot care behaviors.