PICO question
In diabetic patients (P), are lifestyle changes (I) more effective than foot care(C) in reducing the risk of foot amputations (O)?
There is the general understanding that amputations and foot ulcers are the major causes of mortalities, physical and emotional costs, and disabilities on diabetics. Therefore, there is the need to have earliest interventions which will be helpful in addressing this disease so that the risk of the adverse conditions occurring to the patients (Dorresteijn & Valk, 2012). These efforts are targeted at reducing the onset of whichever adverse effects associated with the condition. As such, diabetics have the option of either choosing effective foot care or checking on their lifestyle as a mode of addressing the issue of amputation occurring.
Population
The population that needs to take the initiative in addressing the risks of amputations happening to them is the patients suffering from diabetes. There is the need to have better strategies for these individuals so that any adverse effects likely to come from the disease can be effectively curbed.
Intervention
The need to have reforms in the healthcare regime calls for patients to involve in practices directed at modification of their lifestyles. As such, patients will be required to avoid extensive exercising regimes which expose them to the risks of developing ulcers on their feet. Additionally, it also important for diabetics to keep their blood sugar levels in check through the adoption of an intensive insulin therapy which has got the effect of reducing the symptoms associated with amputation risks (Schellenberg et al., 2013). A reduction in smoking and taking foods rich in fats also assist in reducing high blood pressure which associated with the worsening of diabetes in individuals. Smoking is also associated with the interruption of the healing process of wounds, therefore, compromising the healing process.
Comparison
Foot care strategies that can be used in the prevention of diabetic ulcers developing include approaches like inspecting the feet daily for any abnormalities like cracks, soreness, cuts, blisters, keeping feet moist by washing them with daily to prevent them from cracking, trimming toenails well to avoid creation of wounds and lesions and wearing clean and dry socks which are fit well to prevent any injury possibilities (American Diabetes Association, 2016).
Outcome
References
American Diabetes Association. (2016). Foot Care: American Diabetes Association®. Retrieved from www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications/foot-care.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
Dorresteijn, J. A., & Valk, G. D. (2012). Patient education for preventing diabetic foot ulceration. Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews, 28(S1), 101-106.
Schellenberg, E. S., Dryden, D. M., Vandermeer, B., Ha, C., & Korownyk, C. (2013). Lifestyle interventions for patients with and at risk for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of internal medicine, 159(8), 543-551.
