Diabetic ulcers are a prevalent and serious complication of diabetes, affecting up to 25% of diabetic patients during their lifetime. These wounds, often slow to heal and prone to infection, can lead to severe outcomes, including high mortality rates and significant healthcare costs. In this blog, we delve into the impact of diabetic ulcers, the stages of healing, and how Condition Directed Health's Healing Support Supplement can enhance each phase of the healing process.

The Impact of Diabetic Ulcers

Diabetic ulcers, particularly foot ulcers, are not just painful and debilitating; they also pose serious health risks:

• Mortality: The 5-year mortality rate for patients with diabetic foot ulcers can be as high as 45% .

• Amputation Rates: About 15-20% of patients with diabetic foot ulcers will require an amputation .

• Healthcare Costs: Treating diabetic foot ulcers in the U.S. costs between $9 and $13 billion annually, excluding the overall costs of managing diabetes .

Stages of Healing in Diabetic Ulcers

Understanding the stages of wound healing helps in appreciating how targeted nutritional support can make a difference.

1. Inflammatory Phase
   • This initial phase involves the body's response to injury, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain.
   • Challenges: Inflammation and infection risks are high during this stage.
2. Proliferative Phase
   • During this phase, new tissue and blood vessels form.
   • Challenges: Ensuring sufficient nutrients to support tissue growth is crucial.
3. Remodeling Phase
   • The final phase where new tissue matures and strengthens.
   • Challenges: Preventing wound recurrence and ensuring robust tissue formation are key.

Condition Directed Health's Healing Support Supplement is designed to support each phase of wound healing through its unique blend of ingredients.

1. Inflammatory Phase

   • Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen: Supports skin regeneration and strengthens the extracellular matrix .

   • L-Arginine: Enhances nitric oxide production, promoting blood flow and nutrient delivery .

   • L-Glutamine: Fuels immune cells and supports gut health, critical for overall immune function .

   • Vitamins and Minerals: Boost immune function and provide antioxidant protection .

2. Proliferative Phase
   • Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen: Promotes collagen synthesis and tissue formation .
   • L-Arginine: Supports cell proliferation and wound healing .
   • L-Glutamine: Enhances tissue repair and immune response .
   • Vitamins and Minerals: Essential for new tissue growth and repair .
3. Remodeling Phase
   • Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen: Strengthens the extracellular matrix, ensuring durable tissue .
   • L-Arginine: Maintains blood flow and nutrient delivery, supporting ongoing tissue health .
   • L-Glutamine: Supports long-term immune health, crucial for preventing wound recurrence .
   • Vitamins and Minerals: Aid in the maintenance of strong and healthy tissue .

Conclusion

Diabetic ulcers present a significant health challenge, but with the right care from health professionals, and nutritional support patients can improve their healing outcomes. By incorporating the Healing Support Supplement from Condition Directed Health into their regimen, patients can provide their bodies with the nutrients needed to support each stage of the healing process. 

References

1. Armstrong, D. G., Boulton, A. J., & Bus, S. A. (2017). Diabetic foot ulcers and their recurrence. The New England Journal of Medicine, 376(24), 2367-2375.
2. Lavery, L. A., Armstrong, D. G., Wunderlich, R. P., Mohler, M. J., Wendel, C. S., & Lipsky, B. A. (2006). Risk factors for foot infections in individuals with diabetes. Diabetes Care, 29(6), 1288-1293. 
3. Driver, V. R., Fabbi, M., Lavery, L. A., & Gibbons, G. (2010). The costs of diabetic foot: the economic case for the limb salvage team. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 52(3 Suppl), 17S-22S. 
4. Faglia, E., Clerici, G., Caminiti, M., Quarantiello, A., Gino, M., Morabito, A., ... & Rey, H. (2006). Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team in the management of severe diabetic foot infections: a retrospective exploratory analysis. Diabetes Care, 29(5), 983-988. 
5. Rice, J. B., Desai, U., Cummings, A. K., Birnbaum, H. G., Skornicki, M., & Parsons, N. B. (2014). Burden of diabetic foot ulcers for Medicare and private insurers. Diabetes Care, 37(3), 651-658. 
6. Nussbaum, S. R., Carter, M. J., Fife, C. E., DaVanzo, J., Haught, R., Nusgart, M., & Cartwright, D. (2018). An economic evaluation of the impact, cost, and Medicare policy implications of chronic nonhealing wounds. Value in Health, 21(1), 27-32. 
7. Schulze, C., Finze, A., Crola Da Silva, N. K., & Schwanitz, G. (2011). Hydrolyzed collagen peptides improve dermal density and firmness in the eye contour area. Journal of Medicinal Food, 14(6), 618-624. 
8. Zague, V., De Freitas, V., Da Silva, M. A., & Costa, M. L. (2011). Collagen hydrolysate intake increases skin collagen expression and suppresses matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 10(4), 307-314. 
9. Wilson, A. M., Baines, A., & Hawkes, N. (2017). Nitric oxide and L-arginine in cardiovascular health and disease. Heart, Lung and Circulation, 26(7), 649-657. 
10. Morris, S. M. (2016). Arginine metabolism: boundaries of our knowledge. The Journal of Nutrition, 136(10), 2683S-2689S. 
11. Neu, J., & Shenoy, V. (2014). Glutamine nutrition and metabolism: where do we go from here? Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 17(4), 327