To develop a simplified pre-screening tool for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) using clinical indicators, focusing on the albumin-to-glycated hemoglobin ratio (Alb/HbA1c).
Key Findings:
DFU prevalence was 20.9% in the training set and 15.8% in the validation set.
Four independent predictors identified: age (OR = 1.029/year), history of injury (OR = 7.57), alcohol consumption (OR = 0.48), and Alb/HbA1c ratio (OR = 0.49).
Model showed good discrimination with AUC of 0.807 in training and 0.817 in validation sets.
Interpretation:
The model demonstrates a high negative predictive value.
Limitations:
The study was retrospective and conducted in a single health system.
Exclusion of patients with certain comorbidities may limit generalizability.
Conclusion:
The pre-screening model identifies low-risk patients for DFU.
US claims data showed rising prevalence of diabetic retinal disease in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while incidence declined in type 1 diabetes and moved closer to type 2 rates by 2022.
"AI could help reduce the burden on ophthalmology services by triaging large numbers of patients with diabetes and allowing specialists to focus on those who most urgently need care."
