Finding ways to prevent diabetic foot ulcers from coming back
Official title: Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Recurrence of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Pilot Study
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10952328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful program for people who have healed diabetic foot ulcers to learn better foot care habits and prevent them from coming back, with support from occupational therapy, and it’s looking for volunteers to see how well it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $124,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DK140420-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of diabetic foot ulcers who have successfully healed but are at risk for recurrence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who currently have active diabetic foot ulcers or those without a history of DFUs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a lifestyle intervention designed to help individuals with healed diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) maintain proper foot care and prevent recurrence. Participants will receive occupational therapy aimed at developing self-care routines that support offloading and foot care practices. The study will involve a pilot randomized controlled trial with 60 participants, comparing those receiving the intervention to a control group. Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, the research will assess the feasibility and satisfaction with the intervention, as well as measure recurrence rates of DFUs and impacts on quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers, improving patients' quality of life and reducing healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that lifestyle interventions can be effective in managing chronic conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in preventing DFU recurrence.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tan, Tze-Woei — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Tan, Tze-Woei
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.