School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 9-25-2026

Abstract

Level of Evidence: Level 5

Poster Category: Non-sponsored

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes and are associated with delayed wound healing, infection, amputation, and substantial morbidity. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) improve glycemic control and may influence inflammation, vascular function, and tissue repair. However, clinical evidence evaluating their relationship with DFU healing remains limited.

Aim: To characterize available clinical evidence examining the association between GLP-1 RA use and wound-healing outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for English-language studies published from 2021–2026 using terms combining “GLP-1 receptor agonist,” “diabetic foot ulcer,” and “wound healing.” Studies were screened for GLP-1 RA exposure, a DFU population, and reported ulcer- or wound-healing outcomes. Data extracted included study design, population, GLP-1 RA exposure, definition of DFU, wound healing, and secondary clinical outcomes. 602 records were identified and only three underwent full-text assessment. Two database studies met criteria.

Results: Lewis et al. compared 6,329 semaglutide-treated patients with 6,329 matched controls with DFUs and assessed healing using administrative-code proxies. At one year, semaglutide use was associated with lower rates of chronic non-healing wounds (0.75% vs 1.23%) and wound-healing complications (0.19% vs 0.38%), with similar associations persisting at five years. Zhang et al. evaluated 1,049 matched GLP-1 RA users and 1,049 nonusers following diabetic foot reconstruction and reported fewer surgical-site infections and revisions among GLP-1 RA users; however, this study did not directly define or measure ulcer closure or complete healing.

Conclusion: Clinical evidence directly evaluating GLP-1 RA therapy and DFU healing is sparse. Available observational data suggest an association between semaglutide use and fewer coded non-healing and wound-related complications, but current studies rely primarily on administrative outcomes rather than standardized measurements of ulcer closure or time to healing. Prospective studies are needed before GLP-1 RAs can be considered adjunctive therapies for ulcer healing.

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