Understanding infections in diabetic foot ulcers and their recurrence
Official title: Diabetic Foot Ulcer Biofilm Infection and Recurrence
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10854979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how infections in diabetic foot ulcers can come back and cause serious problems, like amputations, and it aims to find better ways to detect and treat these infections for people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $567,468 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK125835-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10854979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with type 2 diabetes who have experienced diabetic foot ulcers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who have not experienced diabetic foot ulcers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of biofilm infections in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which are a significant complication for individuals with diabetes. The study aims to understand how these infections can lead to the recurrence of DFUs, which often result in severe outcomes such as amputations. By examining the behavior of bacteria in biofilm form, the research seeks to improve detection methods and treatment strategies for DFUs. The work is being conducted at two major centers, Indiana University and Stanford University, to gather comprehensive data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for diabetic foot ulcers, potentially reducing the rates of recurrence and amputations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing biofilm infections can improve outcomes in chronic wound care, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sen, Chandan K — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Sen, Chandan K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Diabetic Foot Ulcer Offloading with User-Friendly Cast Walker Design
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-
Home-based exercise to help Veterans recover after healed diabetic foot ulcers
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-
Wound fluid test to predict healing in diabetic foot ulcers
This project looks for chemical signals in the fluid from diabetic foot ulcers that could tell adults with diabetes whether a wound will heal with standard care or need a different treatment.
-
Identifying biomarkers in wound fluid for diabetic foot ulcers
This study is looking at special substances in the fluid from diabetic foot ulcers to see if they can help doctors predict how well the wounds will heal, which could lead to better and more personalized treatments for people with these types of wounds.
-
Investigating gene markers that affect healing in diabetic foot ulcers
This study is looking at how inflammation affects the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes, and it's creating a special test to help doctors understand how well these wounds are healing so they can provide better, personalized care for patients.
-
Home exercise program to help Veterans recover after a recently healed diabetic foot ulcer
A home-based exercise program designed to help Veterans who recently healed from a diabetic foot ulcer regain strength, mobility, and independence.
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.