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Use of Clinical Laboratory Parameters to Evaluate Wound Healing Potential in Diabetes Mellitus

Patricia L. Abu-Rumman, DPM^*, David G. Armstrong, DPM and Brent P. Nixon, DPM

^* Department of Surgery, Podiatry Section, Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tucson, AZ.
Director of Research and Education, Department of Surgery, Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tucson, AZ; Visiting Senior Lecturer of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK. Mailing address: Department of Surgery, 3601 S Sixth Ave, Tucson, AZ 85723.
Chief of Podiatry, Department of Surgery, Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tucson, AZ.

Abstract

Clinicians caring for chronic wounds can easily overlook nutritional status. Patients with diabetes are at high risk for primary and secondary malnutrition. Although profiles exist defining the extent of the deficiency, the process of wound healing and the interactions of the macronutrients and micronutrients necessary to accomplish it must first be understood. In elderly patients with diabetes, additional factors such as liver and renal function, the interdependence of the immune system, and protein synthesis, also must be considered. This article provides a practical format to assist clinicians in better evaluating this often difficult-to-assess area of care. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(1): 38-47, 2002)