Foot Temperature Monitoring in People With Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review of Incidence and Risk With Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers represent a serious complication of diabetes mellitus, often associated with amputations and hospitalizations. Monitoring foot temperature allows early detection of the risk of developing DFUs. This study compares foot temperature monitoring methods in patients with diabetes mellitus and assesses their applicability in the early detection of foot temperature differences. A systematic literature review was conducted following Cochrane methodology. An electronic search was carried out across multiple scientific databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Rob2 tool, and the meta-analysis was performed using the Cochrane platform, Review Manager 5.4. Eight studies were included, seven of which met the criteria for meta-analysis. The results indicate that diabetic foot ulcers and amputations were less frequent in the temperature monitoring group compared to the control groups. The meta-analysis underscores the potential of foot temperature monitoring to prevent diabetic foot ulcers and their recurrence. Nurses should implement interventions that promote temperature monitoring and adherence to preventive measures while raising awareness of the benefits of these actions.