Glycemia, nutrition and wound healing

It is well known that nutrition and wound healing are closely related and optimal wound repair requires adequate nutritional intake. Malnutrition or specific nutrient deficiencies can lead to an impaired or delayed wound healing process and increased infection risk. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are necessary for prompt healing, but also other nutrients play an important role in the wound healing process. Some amino acids, such as arginine and glutamine, vitamin C, A and E, and trace elements such as magnesium, copper, zinc and iron are crucial for wound healing. Diabetes mellitus is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide and it is well known that it impairs acute wound healing and favors the occurrence of chronic nonhealing foot wounds. Moreover, patients with diabetes need surgical care more frequently than nondiabetic subjects and it is necessary to understand the best way of caring for diabetic patients to improve their clinical outcome. Achieving and maintaining normal glucose control is a key factor for wound healing, particularly in diabetic patients.