Understanding Germs in Diabetic Foot Wounds

The Role of the Microbiome in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11140538

This work explores how the community of germs living in diabetic foot ulcers affects their healing for people with diabetes.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11140538 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes, often leading to amputations and increased health risks. Many factors can prevent these wounds from healing properly, and current treatments only help about half of patients. This project aims to discover if the unique collection of bacteria and other tiny organisms, called the microbiome, within these wounds plays a key role in why some ulcers don't heal. By studying how these microbiomes change over time, we hope to find new ways to help wounds close.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for related future studies would be adults aged 21 and older who have diabetic foot ulcers.

Not a fit: Patients without diabetic foot ulcers or those under 21 years of age would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat diabetic foot ulcers, helping them heal faster and reducing the risk of amputation.

How similar studies have performed: Past observational studies have suggested a link between certain germs and non-healing wounds, but this work aims to provide a more detailed and consistent understanding.

Where this research is happening

ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.