Test puts the detection of the diabetic foot in the hands of the doctor

A simple test puts in the hands of the doctor the detection of the diabetic foot
professionals from the Torrejón Health Center are rewarded by a study in which a disease that affects between 20% and 40% of these patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) or type 2 diabetes is a disease that does not stop growing in today's society and consumes a good part of the care that is paid in health centers.Precisely one of the most common consequences of the DM, the diabetic neuropathy or foot is the subject of a study that has been awarded in the XIX Congress of the Andalusian Society of Family and Community Medicine (SamfyC) that has brought together 1,200 doctors of allThe community.The work is aimed at monitoring these patients and the early detection of neuropathy.Its final consequence may be the amputation of the member.

Of the 225 Research Communications presented, the Scientific Committee of Congress rewarded the work presented by professionals from the Torrejón Health Center and that was entitled 'Validation of a subjective test for the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy'.It was presented by Aurora Pérez, being co -authors Virginia Fernández, Marta Rodríguez, Antonio Ortega, Jesús Pardo and José Camacho.

Aurora Pérez explained that the traditional neuropathy or diabetic foot detection procedure is "monofilament, a plastic hair that applies in three points of each foot. If insensitivity is perceived in any of them it is understood that we are faced with the presenceof neuropathy. "The test is carried out by nurses.

The doctor points out that with his study does not rule out that the monofilament is still being used, although "the novelty lies in a test consisting of a few simple questions that are asked to the patient."In addition, "the test is done by the doctors themselves with what we streamline the monitoring of the patients."

The test is inspired by the one known as Texas test, prepared by the University of that state.It consists of four subjective questions that the patient answers and thus determines whether there is nerve affectation.However, this test had not been validated here so its adequate utility in the population was not known.It remains to be defined a second step that will be the exact transcription of the terms used in the test, for which there is a protocolized translation of all terms.

Researchers at the Torrejón Health Center have determined their validity as a diagnostic test.The study has shown the effectiveness of performing the test annually.The monofilament is not suppressed but will remain as a confirmative measure.

The four questions are: Note your numb feet?Does it tingling as if an electric current crosses your feet?Note on their feet as if they were running insects?Note on your feet burning feeling?The limb is considered to be affected by neuropathy if the patient gives at least one affirmative response.

The study has found a prevalence in the Huelva population studied, of 19.48%, showing more frequent in older patients and greater number of years of evolution of diabetes.Aurora Pérez indicated that the percentage fits with the most common estimates that speak of an incidence between 20% and 40%: "We have been very close to those percentages that we would have arrived without a doubt if the study had been with more patients"

The doctor of the Torrejón Health Center added that fortunately, the dreaded amputations have decreased greatly, standing at 1% of the total diabetic patients.The cause is the best control of these patients.

Aurora Pérez testimony of a greater awareness of these patients in more strict compliance with the diet, exercise andtreatment.

The fear of insulin, with the subsequent punctures, is one of the most effective in stories for patient self -care.

Apart from this work on diabetic neuropathy, the XIX Congress of the Andalusian Society of Family and Community Medicine (Samfyc) has once again demonstrated the good results of the research carried out by the Huelva Primary Care.24 scientific works from the province were presented, from the Centers of Torrejón, Molino de la Vega, Adoratrices, Isla Chica, Ayamonte, and Cartaya to the Teaching Unit of Family and Community Medicine of Huelva.In addition to the prize won by the doctors of the center of Torrejón, four works were candidates to be awarded by the Samfyc Congress.

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The four questions are: Note your numb feet?Does it tingling as if an electric current crosses your feet?Note on their feet as if they were running insects?Note on your feet burning feeling?The limb is considered to be affected by neuropathy if the patient gives at least one affirmative response.

Nor is it that they have discovered America, they are normal questions that every podiatrist makes moderately understood in diabetes (the few there are) ... The problem is how can the elderly to these questions interpret and answer?

But well, much is missing awareness of the diabetic foot (I remember that it is the first cause of amputations for non -traumatic causes in Spain).

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