Abstract

Background & Objective: Diabetes is a global health problem that has resulted in millions of deaths; one of the most common diabetes complications is that wounds of diabetic patients tend to heal more slowly or may not heal at all, resulting in undesirable outcomes. Diabetic wounds, if become chronic and infected, could provoke lower extremities amputation, sepsis, and even death. Hence, early detection, careful examination, debridement, cleaning, and prevention or controlling the infection of diabetic wounds are important factors for the successful outcome of the case. Over the years, various promising wound dressings incorporating antimicrobial molecules, growth factors, and wound healing agents have been developed, targeting diabetic wounds. Nonetheless, the choice of dressing is mainly based on the experience of each clinician.

Summary: This review summarizes the main points of diabetes complications, diabetic wounds, and infections. Further, an overview of the current drug delivery systems for topical wound delivery of various active ingredients has been performed. This update could be helpful for scientists and especially clinicians who desire to plan and work with new strategies for the healing of diabetic wounds.

Keywords: Diabetic wounds, Antimicrobials, Growth factors, Scaffolds, Natural compounds, Wound healing.

Graphical Abstract