Innovations in the Identification, Prevention and Management of Diabetes-Related Foot Complications

A special issue of Diabetology (ISSN 2673-4540).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 1975

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Session of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Interests: diabetes mellitus; PRDX6; oxidative stress; metabolic syndrome
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Diabetes-related foot complications, including ulcers, infections, and neuropathies, represent a significant health challenge worldwide, often leading to severe outcomes such as amputations and reduced quality of life. As the global prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, the need for innovative approaches to address these complications is becoming increasingly urgent. Recent advancements in identifying, preventing, and managing diabetes-related foot complications are transforming patient care, reducing risks, and improving outcomes.

One of the critical areas of innovation is the development of advanced diagnostic tools. Traditional methods of diagnosing foot complications, such as visual inspections and physical examinations, are supplemented by new technologies like thermal imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms. These technologies can detect early signs of foot ulcers or infections that are not visible to the naked eye, allowing for more precise and timely interventions. AI-powered tools are also used to analyze patient data and predict the risk of developing foot complications, enabling personalized preventive strategies.

Prevention remains a cornerstone in managing diabetes-related foot complications, and innovative strategies are emerging to address this need. Wearable devices, such as intelligent socks and insoles with sensors, can monitor foot temperature, pressure, and gait patterns, providing real-time data to patients and healthcare providers. These devices can alert users to potential issues, such as areas of high pressure or abnormal temperature changes, which are early indicators of ulcers or infections. By catching these problems early, patients and clinicians can take preventive actions, such as adjusting footwear or increasing foot care routines, to avoid serious complications.

Management of existing foot complications has also seen significant innovations. Regenerative medicine, including the use of stem cell therapy and growth factors, is showing promise in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration in diabetic foot ulcers. Additionally, advanced wound care technologies, such as negative pressure wound therapy and bioengineered skin substitutes, are improving healing rates and reducing the risk of infection. The development of new antibiotics and antimicrobial dressings that target resistant bacteria is also crucial in managing infections more effectively.

Moreover, remote monitoring and telemedicine have become essential tools in managing diabetes-related foot complications, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine platforms enable regular follow-ups and consultations with healthcare providers, allowing continuous monitoring and early intervention without frequent in-person visits. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients in remote or underserved areas, where access to specialized care may be limited.

In conclusion, innovations in the identification, prevention, and management of diabetes-related foot complications are revolutionizing care and improving outcomes for patients. As these technologies continue to evolve and integrate into clinical practice, they hold great potential to reduce the burden of diabetic foot complications and enhance the quality of life for millions of people living with diabetes worldwide.

Dr. Aikaterini Andreadi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diabetology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • diabetic foot
  • type 1 and type 2 diabetes
  • micro and macrovascular complication

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

14 pages, 1504 KiB  
Article
Medical Doctors, Nurses, and Therapeutic Health Practitioners Knowledge of Risk Factors and Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Cross-Sectional Survey in a South African Setting
by Tshifhiwa Mukheli, Anschen Fourie, Tshepo P. Mokoena, Shingirai B. Kagodora and Thifhelimbilu E. Luvhengo
Diabetology 2025, 6(4), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology6040031 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 143
Abstract
Background/Objective: Prevention of foot ulceration is critical to reduce the amputation rate in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). We investigated the knowledge of diabetic foot care management and prevention of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) among categories of healthcare practitioners (HCPs). Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Prevention of foot ulceration is critical to reduce the amputation rate in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). We investigated the knowledge of diabetic foot care management and prevention of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) among categories of healthcare practitioners (HCPs). Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted at public healthcare facilities within the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital Cluster in Gauteng, South Africa. Participants included podiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, medical orthotists and prosthetists, nurses, and medical doctors. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that assessed knowledge of DFU risk factors, foot examination, foot care, and appropriate footwear. Knowledge level was classified as extremely poor if less than 50% of participants from a category of HCPs answered appropriately, reasonable for 50–59%, average at 60–69%, above average from 70–79%, and excellent when ≥80%. The questionnaire was completed by 449 HCPs and analyzed using STATA version 15, with statistical significance set at a p-value less than 0.05. Results: A total of 449 HCPs participated, which comprised the following: 48.1% (216) therapeutic health practitioners (THPs), 37.4% (168) nurses, and 14.5% (65) medical doctors. Only 36% (162) of participants had prior education on DFU. The overall knowledge levels among participants were risk factors of DFU (80%), foot examination (80%), identification of limb-threatening conditions (82%), foot care (77%), and footwear (65%). Medical doctors had the highest median scores for risk factors (85) and foot examination (80), followed by nurses (80 for risk factors and 78 for foot examination). THPs had the lowest median scores for risk factors (78) and foot examinations (70). Differences in knowledge levels across HCPs were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: THPs have insufficient knowledge of diabetic foot care and prevention of DFUs. Comprehensive training and targeted educational programs are needed to fill these gaps and improve patient care. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 360 KiB  
Article
The Role of Vitamin C in Wound Healing in Surgically Managed Diabetic Foot Disease
by Kiran Kancherla, Jason Chow, Rajat Mittal, Nakul Kaushik, Tamer Kamal, Gary Low and Brian Martin
Diabetology 2025, 6(2), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology6020009 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1257
Abstract
Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a significant cause of morbidity in diabetic patients, with surgical management frequently required in advanced cases. This study examines the association between preoperative vitamin C levels and wound-healing outcomes in patients with diabetic foot disease (DFD) requiring [...] Read more.
Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a significant cause of morbidity in diabetic patients, with surgical management frequently required in advanced cases. This study examines the association between preoperative vitamin C levels and wound-healing outcomes in patients with diabetic foot disease (DFD) requiring surgical debridement. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral centre, with the study including diabetic patients who had undergone surgical debridement for forefoot and midfoot diabetic foot infections between January 2020 and July 2024. Patients with ISDA grades 3 and 4 ulcers and preoperative measurements of vitamin C, albumin, HbA1c, and BMI were included. The primary outcome was time to wound healing, defined as the duration from surgery to discharge from the orthopaedic diabetic foot clinic. Data were analysed using generalized linear models to assess the impact of preoperative vitamin C levels on healing time, controlling for confounding variables. Results: In the 61 patients included in the multivariable regression analysis, higher preoperative vitamin C levels were significantly associated with faster wound healing (p = 0.01). Other significant factors included albumin levels and ulcer location, with midfoot ulcers healing more slowly than forefoot ulcers. The mean time to healing was 3 months, with vitamin C levels showing a statistically significant effect on wound-healing outcomes. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that higher preoperative vitamin C levels were associated with faster wound healing in surgically treated diabetic foot ulcers. Future prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and assess the role of vitamin C supplementation in the management of surgically treated DFUs. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop