Nutrition Supplementation and Education May Increase the Healing Rate in Diabetic Patients with Foot Ulcers (P19-005-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study examined the effects of high protein dietary supplementation and nutrition education on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. MethodsTwenty-nine adults with diabetic foot ulcers were recruited from the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Wound Care Clinic. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 15) or control (n = 14) group. The treatment group received two carbohydrate controlled high protein shakes to consume daily, and was educated regarding adequate intake of low-fat protein sources, fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates and minimizing simple carbohydrates. The control group did not receive any intervention. Daily supplementation provided a total of 500 kilocalories, 28 grams of high-quality protein, and approximately 50% of micronutrient requirements. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI) and wound planimetry were examined at baseline and every four weeks until the wound healed or up to 12 weeks. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the groups at baseline for BMI (mean = 33.8 ± 7 kg/m2), age (mean = 53.34 ± 11.14 years), duration of diabetes (mean = 13 years), duration of wounds (mean 10.8 months) or wound area (mean = 450 mm2). Wound healing rate (decrease in the area of the wound/week) for the treatment group was three times faster than the control group (151.1 mm2/week vs. 45.2 mm2/week respectively). ConclusionsImproved nutritional intake using nutritional supplementation and patient education has a strong positive effect on the wound healing rate of diabetic foot ulcers. Faster wound healing improves quality of life and functionality of patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Funding SourcesDissertation award.