Effectiveness of a Self-Foot-Care Educational Program for Prevention of Diabetic Foot Disease

Objective: To verify the effectiveness of a “self-foot-care educational program (SFCEP)” for prevention of type 2 diabetes foot disease. Methods: A single-center, randomized and controlled trial was conducted. Fifty-five patients with type 2 DM, 40 - 75 years of age who were asked to return for a follow-up hospital visit, were allocated to either an SFCEP group (n = 29) or a conventional education program (CEP) group (n = 26). Both of the groups were given foot-care education, monthly for four times in the SFCEP group and in the CEP group one time only by a printed leaflet. The two groups had no statistically significant differences in patient background of the type 2 diabetes history. We evaluated removal rate of skin debris, and the symptoms and conditions of the feet. Results: Between the SFCEP and CEP there were significant differences in removal rate of skin debris (p < 0.05), and the conditions of the feet, dryness (p < 0.001), horny tissue (p < 0.001) and peripheral coldness (p < 0.05). The SDCEP was significantly better than the CEP. Conclusion: This study strongly suggests the effectiveness of SFCEP in preventing the occurrence or worsening of diabetic foot diseases.