Insulin and Metformin Synergy May Accelerate Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing
Researchers from Michigan State University and South Shore Hospital have uncovered a potential synergistic effect between two common diabetes medications—insulin and metformin—that may enhance the healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Their study, published in ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science, analyzed wound exudate from patients with DFUs and discovered the presence of metformin in the wound fluid of those taking the drug orally. Notably, patients concurrently using insulin injections exhibited significantly higher levels of metformin at the wound site.
Key Findings:
- Metformin was detected in the wound exudate of patients taking the drug orally.
- Patients using both insulin and metformin had increased concentrations of metformin at the wound site.
- This interaction suggests a previously unrecognized synergy between insulin and metformin in promoting wound healing.
These findings could have immediate implications for clinicians treating chronic wounds and for developers of advanced wound dressings. The study was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Read the full article on the EurekAlert! website.
Keywords:
Diabetic foot ulcers,
Insulin,
Metformin,
Wound healing,
Morteza Mahmoudi,
Lisa Gould