The Role of Gut Microbiota in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing: A Comprehensive Review
Summary: This 2026 comprehensive review explores the gut microbiota’s influence on diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing. Dysbiosis in type 2 diabetes patients alters short-chain fatty acid production, increases systemic inflammation (via LPS/endotoxemia), impairs immune response, and disrupts angiogenesis/collagen remodeling—key factors in chronic non-healing DFUs. Evidence from animal models and human studies links low microbial diversity to higher infection rates, prolonged inflammation, and amputation risk. Therapeutic modulation strategies: probiotics (Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium), prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and diet interventions show promise in restoring balance, reducing oxidative stress, and accelerating healing. Calls for clinical trials to validate gut-targeted therapies as adjuncts in DFU management. Highlights the gut-skin axis as a novel target in diabetic wound care.
Key Highlights:
- Gut dysbiosis → systemic inflammation and delayed DFU repair
- Mechanisms: Reduced SCFAs, LPS translocation, immune dysregulation
- Potential therapies: Probiotics, FMT, dietary modulation
- Relevance: Gut microbiome as emerging target for chronic diabetic wounds
Read full review (open access)
Keywords: gut microbiota, diabetic foot ulcer, dysbiosis, probiotics, FMT