Understanding why diabetic wounds heal poorly

Mechanisms Underlying Impaired Diabetic Wound Healing

Observational University of Pittsburgh · NCT00777712

This study is trying to understand why wounds heal poorly in people with diabetes by looking at the differences in certain cells from their wounds compared to those from people without diabetes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Indianapolis, Indiana and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT00777712 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to investigate the inflammatory cells derived from chronic wounds in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals to uncover the mechanisms behind impaired wound healing in diabetes. It will compare the biology of these wound-derived cells with normal peripheral blood cells to identify differences in their function. The study will involve blood draws from participants with chronic wounds lasting more than four weeks, focusing on both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The ultimate goal is to elucidate the molecular pathways that contribute to the dysregulated inflammation seen in diabetic wound healing.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 21-80 with chronic wounds lasting more than four weeks, both diabetic and non-diabetic.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or unable to provide consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for chronic wounds in diabetic patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar mechanisms of wound healing in diabetes, but this specific approach may provide novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 21-80
* Chronic Wound (present \>4 weeks)
* Diabetic \& Non-diabetic
* Adult surgical wounds

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to consent
* Pregnant women
* Therapeutically immunocompromised
* Individuals defined in 45 CFR 46 Subparts B,C, and D, nor from any other population considered vulnerable 2.9

Where this trial is running

Indianapolis, Indiana and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Non-healing WoundsDiabetesWound healingdiabetesinflammatory cellmonocyteleukocytemacrophage
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.