A Case Report of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer Complicated by Dry Beriberi and a Literature Review

Abstract

Diabetic foot refers to foot ulcers, deep tissue infections, and even gangrene associated with distal lower limb neuropathy and varying degrees of peripheral vascular disease. It is characterized by high rates of disability and mortality and is one of the most severe chronic complications of diabetes. Dry beriberi is a nutritional metabolic disorder caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. It primarily affects the sensory and motor nerves of the limbs and can manifest as symmetrical peripheral neuropathy. Early symptoms include numbness, tingling, and a burning sensation in the extremities, which are clinically similar to those of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Both conditions can occur simultaneously in the same patient; however, this clinical scenario is relatively rare and prone to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. This article reports the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with diabetic foot ulcers complicated by dry beriberi and discusses the case in light of the literature to enhance clinicians’ awareness of this complication.