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Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are one of the most serious complications of diabetes. Up to one-third of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) may experience DFU during their lifetime. DFU is a major contributor to morbidity in diabetic patients. The treatment process is challenging, and the recurrence rate of UUP remains high. Therefore, establishing prevention strategies is the most important point to emphasize. The treatment process is challenging for both the patient and the healthcare team, and treatment outcomes are often unsatisfactory, especially in severe cases. In addition, the recurrence rate is high even though the ulcer has healed. Diagnosis and treatment of vascular disorders, glycemic control, disease, local wound care, and infection diagnosis and treatment should be addressed along with appropriate general health assessment and management. Recent treatments for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) have faced reduced effectiveness due to molecular changes, such as increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), decreased growth factors like VEGF and TGF-β, and dysfunction of macrophages during the inflammation and repair stages. Studies have also shown that elevated oxidative stress and chronic inflammation contribute to delayed wound healing, urging novel deliveries for effective treatment. Therefore, recent research focuses on the development of innovative and effective approaches for DFU healing, such as stem cell and nanomaterial-based therapies. This review has aimed to address critical DFUs approaches, such as DFUs risk factors, prevention approaches, stem cell, and nanoparticle-based treatment.

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2025-07-02
2025-10-31

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Recent Advances in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Challenges and Therapeutic Strategies
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0115748871349555250624045824
/content/journals/rrct/10.2174/0115748871349555250624045824
/content/journals/rrct/10.2174/0115748871349555250624045824
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  • Article Type:     Review Article
Keywords: stem cell therapy ; Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) ; glycemic control ; innovative therapies ; advanced dressings ; wound healing (WH) ; nano-therapy

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