Assessment of healthcare utilization in diabetes patients according to foot risk level.

Abstract

To quantify healthcare service utilization over the past two years according to the foot risk level in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). A descriptive observational study was conducted in a Primary Care Nursing consultation, evaluating patients with T2DM through examination and collection of sociodemographic and clinical data. A total of 153 patients were included. The prevalence of underdiagnosis was 71.2 % for neuropathy and 59.5 % for peripheral arterial disease. Patients with a high foot risk level had more consultations in PC Nursing for foot-related issues (2022 y 2023; p=<0.001). The number of hospitalization days in 2022 was also higher in patients with a high foot risk. Patients with diagnosed neuropathy consistently utilized healthcare services more frequently than those with undiagnosed or no neuropathy across most categories. Patients with a high foot risk level consume more healthcare resources. Early detection and management of diabetic foot is crucial to avoid underdiagnosis, optimize resource use, and prevent serious complications.