Zinc Levels and Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Mini Review.

The aim of this nonsystematic mini review was to discuss serum levels of zinc in subjects with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Most studies have reported low zinc levels in subjects with DFUs. Furthermore, there is some evidence that oral zinc supplementation may have a positive and beneficial impact on DFUs healing. Nonetheless, findings have so far not provided definitive answers. More studies are needed to clarify the role of zinc and its supplementation in this setting.

Dietary and Nutritional Supplementation for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: A Narrative Review.

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a serious and very common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). It negatively affects the quality of life, increases morbidity and poses a financial burden on the health care system. Currently, treatment of PDN focuses on glycaemic control, while pathogenesis-oriented therapy has not yielded satisfactory results. The need to improve therapy remains. There is accumulating evidence on the potential benefit of nutritional interventions. This narrative review aims to examine the potential benefit of dietary and nutritional supplementation for PDN management. According to the preliminary research, supplementation with vitamin E, B-complex, omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10 or N-acetylcysteine seems to be associated with promising results in improving PDN symptoms.

The Role of Nutrients and Diet Characteristics in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are common complications of diabetes mellitus that affect patients' quality of life and pose a burden on the healthcare system. Although malnutrition and specific nutritional deficiencies can seriously impact wound healing in patients with chronic nonhealing wounds, the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of DFUs is still not clear. This review discusses the significance of frequent diet assessment and nutritional education of patients with DFUs with individualized correction of deficiencies and emphasis on adequate protein intake along with correction of vitamins D, C, E, and selenium status. Future research should clarify the impact of nutritional interventions, potentially involving the use of probiotics, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, and successfully translating the findings into practical guidelines for use in everyday clinical practice.