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Posted by on May 1, 2017 in Diabetes mellitus | 0 comments

In a nutshell

This study examined the effects of vitamin D supplements on wound healing in diabetic patients with foot ulcers. Researchers concluded that 12 weeks of vitamin D supplementation resulted in improved wound healing.

Some background

It has been estimated that between 10 to 25% of diabetic patients develop ulcers on their feet. A foot ulcer is prone to infection, which may become severe and foot care is necessary. Studies have shown that patients with a diabetic foot ulcer have a higher mortality rate compared to diabetic patients without a foot ulcer.

In recent years, there has been an effort to better understand the role of vitamin D in diabetes. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with decreased insulin (a hormone which helps break down the sugar from food) sensitivity and release. Vitamin D is also known to have a beneficial effect on wound healing. This may be particularly important for diabetic patients with foot ulcers.

Methods & findings

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of vitamin D supplements on wound healing in diabetic patients with foot ulcers.

60 diabetic patients with moderate-to-severe foot ulcers were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a high-dose vitamin D supplement every 2 weeks for 12 weeks or a placebo (control drug with no active effect). Blood samples were taken before and after treatment.

Vitamin D supplementation resulted in significantly improved wound healing of the foot ulcer. The length, width, and depth of the ulcers were all reduced at 12 weeks by an average of 1 to 2 cm each. Measures of insulin resistance as well as cholesterol levels were also significantly improved when compared to placebo.

The bottom line

Researchers concluded that 12 weeks of vitamin D supplementation resulted in improved wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers. Beneficial effects on insulin resistance and cholesterol levels were also observed.

The fine print

Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.

Published By :

Journal of Diabetes and its Complications

Date :

Apr 01, 2017

Original Title :

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on wound healing and metabolic status in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

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