Understanding the causes of foot ulcers in diabetes patients
Official title: Biomechanical factors for non-plantar ulcers in diabetic foot disease
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-11053200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way your foot works can lead to sores in people with diabetes, and it's for anyone who wants to understand more about preventing and treating these common foot problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I21RX005148-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053200 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are at risk of developing foot ulcers, particularly those with ulcers occurring on non-plantar areas of the foot.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who do not have a history of foot ulcers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biomechanical factors that contribute to non-plantar ulcers in individuals with diabetic foot disease. By examining the mechanical properties of foot tissues at common ulceration sites, the study aims to identify how these factors lead to ulcer development. The research utilizes both in vivo and ex vivo methodologies to gather comprehensive data on foot tissue behavior in diabetic patients. Ultimately, the goal is to develop effective strategies for preventing and treating these ulcers, which are often overlooked.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for foot ulcers in diabetic patients, potentially reducing the risk of amputation and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on plantar ulcers, this investigation into non-plantar ulcers is relatively novel and aims to fill a significant gap in current knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Telfer, Scott — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Telfer, Scott
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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-
Home-based exercise to help Veterans recover after healed diabetic foot ulcers
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-
How Medicaid Coverage Changes Diabetic Foot Care in Safety-Net Patients
This project looks at how new Medicaid coverage in California affects foot care, ED visits, and outcomes for adults with diabetes in safety-net populations.
-
Multi-targeted approach to help heal diabetic foot ulcers using electric fields and nitric oxide
A study to test a combo treatment using electric field stimulation and nitric oxide to boost healing in diabetic foot ulcers.
-
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.
-
MTX-001 for healing diabetic foot ulcers in people with diabetes
A first–in–class biologic therapy called MTX-001 is being tested to help heal diabetic foot ulcers and reduce infection risk in adults with diabetes.
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.