Did you know that diabetic foot ulcers remain one of the most serious complications of diabetes? Improving diabetic foot ulcer healing continues to be a major focus for healthcare providers because these wounds can significantly affect quality of life and may lead to devastating outcomes if left untreated.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes and the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations. Experts estimate that one in seven people with diabetes will develop a diabetic foot ulcer at some point. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is present in approximately half of those with DFUs, increasing the risk of gangrene and amputation. Perhaps even more concerning, the five-year mortality rate for individuals with diabetic foot ulcers is approximately 30.5%.

A recent study published in Diabetes Care examined the impact of SGLT-2 inhibitors, medications such as Jardiance and Farxiga, on wound healing outcomes. Researchers found that participants taking SGLT-2 inhibitors experienced diabetic foot ulcer healing approximately 44 days sooner than those who were not taking these medications.

Think about that for a moment. You are managing a resident’s foot ulcer, and one medication they are already taking may shorten treatment time by as much as six weeks. For residents struggling with wounds that can take months to heal, that difference could be significant.

To be clear, I am not a physician or a pharmacist. However, recent reporting on this study highlights growing interest in the role SGLT-2 inhibitors may play in wound healing and diabetes management. Foot ulcers are notoriously difficult to heal and too often result in amputation.

The findings raise an important question for senior living communities. Should attending physicians and pharmacy providers discuss whether certain residents with diabetes could benefit from a different medication regimen? While no medication can eliminate every risk factor, conversations about treatment options may help support better outcomes.

In a perfect world, we would prevent diabetic foot ulcers altogether. When prevention is not possible, however, identifying strategies that may improve diabetic foot ulcer healing could make a meaningful difference for residents living with diabetes.

Stay well and stay informed!