Author(s): Dr. Aarushi Srivastava and Dr. S Madhivanan

Abstract: Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a significant complication of diabetes, affecting millions worldwide and often leading to amputations. Local insulin therapy has shown promise in enhancing wound healing in DFUs by promoting a reduction in inflammation and collagen deposition. This comparative prospective randomized study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of local insulin injections in promoting granulation tissue formation and improving outcomes in patients with DFUs.Materials & Methods: This was a comparative prospective randomized study conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Pondicherry. A total of 102 patients, aged 20-65 years with non-healing DFUs for more than three weeks, were included. Patients were divided into two groups: one group receiving local insulin injections with normal saline dressings and the other group receiving only normal saline dressings. Key exclusion criteria included patients requiring immediate amputation and those on immunosuppressive therapy. Data were collected on patient demographics, ulcer characteristics, an healing outcomes over 14 days. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v23.0.Results: The mean age of patients in the insulin and saline groups was compared (p> 0.05). A significant reduction in ulcer size was observed by day 14 in the insulin group compared to the saline group (p< 0.05). Granulation tissue formation was significantly accelerated in the insulin group from day 3 of dressing, with a higher incidence of healthy granulation tissue (p< 0.05). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the insulin group (100%) compared to the saline group (13.7%) (p< 0.05).Conclusion: Local insulin therapy significantly improved ulcer healing outcomes compared to normal saline, with faster reduction in ulcer size, earlier appearance of healthy granulation tissue, and higher patient satisfaction. These findings support the use of insulin dressing as a superior intervention for promoting ulcer healing and reducing hospital stays in patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

DOI: 10.22271/27081494.2024.v6.i1b.100

Pages: 69-72 | Views: 402 | Downloads: 143

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