Malnutrition and its relation with diabetic foot ulcer severity and outcome: a review

Background Malnutrition has a detrimental effect on wound healing; hence, it might influence the outcome in people with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). The aim of this manuscript is to overview studies that describe the prevalence of malnutrition in DFU patients and assess the relation between malnutrition, DFU severity, and outcome. Methods A literature review was performed. Malnutrition had to be defined by anthropometry and/or validated screening and assessment tools. Results Five papers were included: one RCT, three prospective cohort studies and one retrospective observational study. A substantial number of patients were at risk for malnutrition (49%-70%) or were malnourished (15%-62%). In one study, nutritional status was related to DFU severity. Three authors demonstrated a negative influence of malnutrition on outcome. Two studies examined the prevalence of malnutrition after six months, but did not detect a decline in malnutrition rates. Conclusions Despite a large heterogeneity, all papers indicated that malnutrition is highly prevalent among DFU patients. Notwithstanding the lack of unequivocal evidence, malnutrition might have a negative influence on DFU outcome. Therefore, clinicians should pay attention to the nutritional status of people with a DFU.