Diabetic chronic wounds prevention and eradication – patients come to the rescue

Abstract

Chronic wounds (CWs) are a frequent complication of diabetes occurring in 25% of individuals. They are responsible for 60% of non-traumatic limb amputations. The chronicity of these wounds is attributed to a continuous presence of bacterial infection. The project will use synergy between people suffering from diabetes, healthcare workers, and researchers to identify lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of CWs. Diabetic participants will identify lifestyle factors contributing to CW development and further correlation of those factors with microbial composition in wounds will be tested by researchers. Patients will be trained to work on data acquisition and results communication and be presented with data management. Outcomes of the project will improve the quality of life, increase personal agency, raise awareness about the problem, prompt research toward development of more efficient therapeutics and strive to change guidelines for diabetic wound treatment.