Background
A multidisciplinary approach to diabetic foot disease reduces amputation rates and improves wound healing. In February 2015, the first inpatient Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Unit (MDFU) in Western Australia was opened at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH).
Aims
To describe changes in glycaemic control and renal function for the 12 month period following index admission in patients admitted to FSH MDFU.
Methods
A retrospective observational study of 151 admissions in 128 patients admitted to FSH MDFU from 1st February 2015 to January 31st 2016. HbA1c, eGFR and CKD stage are reported 12 months following index admission.
Results
The 128 patients had a mean±SD age of 60.4±14.9 years; 85.9% had type 2 diabetes and 11.7% type 1 diabetes. Median [interquartile range] HbA1c at baseline (index admission) was 8.7 [7.1 -10.5]% (n=123) and mean±SD eGFR was 65±31 ml/min/1.73m2 (n=127). In those not lost to follow-up or dying within the 12 months following index admission and with available data, change in HbA1c (95%CI) at 0 to 3 months (n=31) was -0.8 (-1.4 to -0.2)%, P=0.007, at 3 to 6 months (n=33) was -0.5 (-1.2 to 0.3)%, P =0.21 and at 6 to 12 months (n=36) was -0.3 (-0.8 to 0.2)%, P =0.25. Change in eGFR at 12±3months (n=32) was -3.9 (-9.8 to 2.1), P =0.20. By CKD stage, renal function deteriorated by one or two stage(s) in 22.5%, remained the same in 52.5%, and improved in 25.0% between admission and follow-up at 12±3months, P=0.82.
Conclusions
Initial improvements in glycaemic control were not sustained over the longer term whilst renal function remained stable or improved in the majority of patients, although conclusions are constrained by relatively small numbers of patients with follow-up data. The role of psychological strategies to improve diabetes self-care in patients with diabetic foot complications warrants exploration in future studies.