Objective: The purpose of this preliminary study was to generate hypotheses for future research about the relationship between ESRD and foot complications in patients with long-term diabetes.
Design: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted comparing a sample of long-term diabetic patients with ESRD to a sample of long-term diabetic patients without ESRD.
Sample/setting: A convenience sample of 132 patients with long-term diabetes (> 15 years), with (N = 60) and without (N = 72) ESRD, was selected from ambulatory care settings and dialysis units.
Methods: Data were collected by chart audit, structured interview, and physical examination.
Results: Foot complications were greater in individuals with diabetes and ESRD (25%) than in diabetic individuals without ESRD (10%) (p = 0.02). Neither neuropathy, past or current smoking, race, gender, nor age were significantly associated with current foot complications (either current infection, ulcer, gangrene, or amputation).
Conclusions: Research is needed to better understand foot complications in persons with long-term diabetes and ESRD so that the effectiveness of nursing and medical interventions to stabilize or prevent foot complications can be evaluated.