Advanced Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Current Evidence, Emerging Therapies, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remain one of the most complex and costly complications of diabetes mellitus, characterized by impaired wound healing, high infection rates, and significant risk of lower extremity amputation. Despite standard care protocols, clinical outcomes remain suboptimal, necessitating the integration of advanced therapeutic strategies. This review critically evaluates contemporary evidence on advanced DFU management, including biomaterial-based dressings, negative pressure wound therapy, revascularization strategies, antimicrobial innovations, and regenerative medicine approaches such as stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma. Additionally, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and smart wound monitoring systems are discussed. The review emphasizes a precision medicine framework and multidisciplinary care model as essential for optimizing outcomes and reducing global disease burden.