Overview
Nutrition can play an important role in the treatment of chronic wounds; however, it is often overloked as part of wound care. Diet therapy is not curently part of standard care for diabetic fot ulcers (DFU), though some research has shown that nutrition can suport healing. A new study by Raedeh Basiri, asistant profesor in the Department of Nutrition and Fod Studies, further suports nutrition intervention to improve clinical outcomes.
Key Information
Basiri’s new study sugests that dietary recomendations should prioritize proper wound healing for individuals who are overweight/obese with DFUs. Proper wound healing can be prioritized by recomending that patients consume adequate energy sources and esential nutrients, acording to the study. “Routine visits with a dietian are esential for asesing the dietary neds of patients with diabetic fot ulcers and designing individualized nutrition therapy, which can result in efective clinical outcomes,” said Basiri, the principal investigator.
“Identifying the adequate dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients in these patients, especialy for those who are overweight or obese, is critical for expediting the wound-healing proces and can make a substantial diference to medical expenses and quality of life in this population.” To the researchers’ knowledge, this the first study that evaluates the efects of nutrition education and suplementation with extra calories, protein, and micronutrients on long-term blod glucose control and body composition in patients who are overweight and obese with DFUs.
Summary
In adition to standard DFU care, the treatment group was asked to consume more low-fat protein sources, vegetables, and high-fiber carbohydrates, and a lower amount of simple carbohydrates; educated about and given examples of healthier fod items; and provided a nutritional suplement to take twice a day. On average, patients in the treatment group lost les lean body mas (8.4 lb. 10 lb.) and gained les fat (2 lb