Juven® | Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Healing From the Inside Out:

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Nutrition & Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Proper nutrition plays an important role in the lifelong management of diabetic complications, including foot ulcers.

Fueling Your Body

Your body needs the right number of calories and amount of protein every day to heal a wound. Think of calories as fuel for your body, just like gasoline is fuel for your car. Without enough fuel, your body—and your car— can’t run properly.

Your Blood Sugar & Wound Healing

Blood sugar control is vitally important to wound healing. When blood glucose levels are high, the risk for wound complications and infections is greater. High blood glucose levels result in less oxygen and blood flow to the wound, which can increase healing time.

Poor Blood Circulation and Wound Healing

Poor circulation may mean that oxygen and nutrients have trouble getting to the feet to help the wound heal. Follow your doctor’s advice on how to manage poor circulation.

Advice for Diabetics With Foot Ulcers

Protect your heart and blood vessels by:

Eating less unhealthy fats, such as trans fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and eating more unsaturated fats
Maintaining a healthy weight and making healthy food choices
Reducing your sodium intake, which can help control your blood pressure
Not Smoking! According to the American Diabetes Association, one of the biggest threats to your feet is smoking. Smoking affects the small blood vessels. It can cause decreased blood flow to the feet and make wounds heal more slowly.

Protein Needs for Diabetics

Protein provides the foundation for tissue growth, cell renewal, and repair of a wound. Include protein sources at every meal, such as:

Fish
Skinless chicken
Lean meats
Low-fat cheeses
Eggs
Vegetarian protein choices (soy, beans, or lentils)

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and play a role in wound healing. Arginine, glutamine, and a form of leucine called beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) may prove beneficial to healing. If your wound is not healing, ask your healthcare provider about targeted amino acid therapy.

Based on information from:

Franz M. Medical nutrition therapy for diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia of nondiabetic origin. In: Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S, Raymond JL, eds. Krause’s Food and the Nutrition Care Process. 13th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:675-710.

Nutrition & Wound Healing

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