Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most serious and costly complications of diabetes mellitus. In India, where the burden of diabetes is already very high, DFU contributes significantly to morbidity, hospitalisation, and limb loss. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of DFU and its management patterns at a tertiary care centre in West Bengal.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of DFU among hospitalised diabetic patients, to analyse sociodemographic factors, to classify ulcers using the Wagner grading system, and to describe the management protocols adopted.Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of six months at a tertiary care centre of West Bengal. A total of 72 patients admitted with diabetic foot ulcer were enrolled using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a pre-designed, pre-tested structured proforma. Wagner's classification was used to grade the ulcers. Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis.Results: Out of 72 patients, the majority were males (63.9%) and belonged to the age group of 51–60 years (38.9%). Most patients were from rural background (61.1%). Wagner Grade 2 ulcers were the most common (27.8%). Insulin optimisation was the most frequently used management modality (94.4%), followed by systemic antibiotic therapy (88.9%) and wound debridement (83.3%). Minor amputation was performed in 22.2% cases and major amputation in 8.3% cases. Conclusion: DFU continues to be a major clinical challenge at tertiary care centres. Late presentation, poor glycaemic control, and low socioeconomic status are contributing factors. A multi-disciplinary approach with timely intervention can significantly reduce morbidity and limb loss.

Diabetic foot ulcer, Wagner classification, prevalence, management, West Bengal, tertiary care