Therapeutic Application of Stem Cells on Diabetic Foot Ulcers

What are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a wound or sore on the bottom of the feet that is very common in diabetes patients. It is a severe complication or side effect of diabetes mellitus associated with infection, amputation, and, in worst cases, death. Patients with uncontrolled blood sugar for a long time develop ulcers on the bottom of the feet, particularly in areas that experience pressure and repetitive trauma.

As mentioned earlier, 15% of diabetes patients report foot ulcers, out of which 6% are hospitalized due to extreme levels of infection or ulcer-related complications. DFU can develop in diabetes patients of both Type 1 and Type 2 and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent the worst possible outcomes, like amputation.

Causes of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Poor blood circulation is identified as one of the most common causes of diabetic foot ulcers due to lack of flow of blood to the feet. Damage to the nerves, wounds, excessive pressure, or trauma on the foot are also factors responsible for DFU in patients with high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia).

Lack of proper blood circulation also slows down the healing process of foot ulcers, resulting in further health deterioration. Hence, managing blood sugar levels is essential to prevent the growth of foot ulcers and fight infections from ulcers. Also, maintaining proper foot hygiene with regular cleaning and moisturizing and using clean shoes and socks is necessary for patients with foot ulcers.

Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcer is a challenging condition that impacts the lives of many diabetic patients. The common symptoms include:

• Drainage from the infected wound or ulcers
• Unusual swelling, redness, or irritation
• Black or dead tissue (Escher) surrounding the foot ulcer
• Painful tingling or numbness in the area or the entire bottom of the foot
• Loss of sensation or feeling

Healing Mechanism of Stem Cells for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Stem cells are undifferentiated immature cells that have the power to develop and multiply into healthy cells to replace damaged cells and treat various types of medical conditions. The latest research shows that mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human umbilical cord tissue have immense potential to repair and regenerate skin cells, which can effectively improve symptoms of foot ulcers and prolong the lives of affected individuals.

While steroids and other traditional treatments aim to temporarily relieve symptoms, stem cells address their root cause and deliver long-term positive clinical outcomes. The therapeutic effects of stem cell treatment for diabetic foot ulcers are diverse, ranging from exerting anti-inflammatory effects to regulating the immune system at the site of injury, promoting tissue regeneration, and accelerating the healing response.

Furthermore, umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells are known for their pluripotent characteristic, which allows them to form any cell type, including nerve and skin cells. Their capability to quickly regrow skin cells at the foot ulcer site promotes rapid wound closure or healing, reducing the risk of infection.

Improvements Seen in Patients After Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell treatment for diabetic foot ulcers has proven to be quite effective. It promises to enhance vascular function and improve healing rates of foot ulcers in patients with peripheral and diabetic neuropathy. Administration of stem cells is generally considered safe, with no adverse reactions impacting patients’ quality of life.

The significant improvements observed in patients with DFU after the therapy are:

• No more drainage from the infected wound or ulcer
• Decrease in pain and soreness
• Reduction in the size of the ulcer
• Reduced blisters or wounds
• Controlled blood sugar level
• Reduced numbness or tingling sensation
• Pain-free walking

Early medical interventions in diabetic foot ulcers with stem cell therapy can result in the above substantial improvements in healing. It helps ease pain and reduces the wound’s size by promoting healthy tissue growth.

Success Rates of Stem Cell Treatment For Diabetic Foot

Stem cell treatment has shown promising results improving the patient’s conditions, with success rates of around 80%. The factors that influence the efficacy or success rates of stem cell treatment in DFU are:

• Rate of angiogenesis – growth or formation of new blood vessels
• Pain scores – the intensity of pain in the foot, particularly in the affected wound
• Complete healing time – how fast the ulcer heals through healthy tissue regeneration
• Ulcer size reduction – the quicker the size reduces, the better
• Amputation rate – decrease in chances of foot amputation

Overall, stem cell therapy has shown positive outcomes in halting the progression of foot ulcers with regeneration of skin tissue and better wound healing.

Why Choose Stem Cell Therapy For Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Stem cell therapy offers advantages over medications and other traditional treatments to heal foot ulcers.

• The process is less or minimally invasive and primarily performed in an outpatient department under the clinical supervision of healthcare professionals.
• The therapy is safe, with zero or no significant side effects.
• There is no risk of immune or allergic reactions as the chances of cell rejection in umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells are zero.
• There are no adverse complications or transmissible diseases.
• The therapy requires a minimum hospital stay.
• The recovery period is short, and the therapy delivers long-lasting results.