Diabetic Foot Surgery Patients: What is Their Metabolic Profile and Are Nutritional Goals Met

Prospective interventional follow-up of diabetic foot surgery patients, their metabolic/nutritional profile, and the nutritional adequacy in the perioperative setting. Primary objective: to establish the preoperative metabolic profile of diabetic patients scheduled for foot surgery and determine the postoperative nutritional status. The daily values of caloric intake compared to caloric need and protein intake compared to protein need will be evaluated as primary endpoint. \[Actual daily caloric and protein intake is compared to the calculated need.\] These values will each be presented as relative %. Wound healing is an anabolic process that requires ample access to nutrients. Insulin is considered the main anabolic hormone of the body, and regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Diabetic patients lack this very hormone, and in addition are required to follow a strict dietary regime that further limits caloric and protein intake. Very little research had been done to evaluate the role of malnutrition in delayed wound healing. Overall: What is the metabolic/nutritional profile of a diabetes patient with foot wounds undergoing surgery? Is the intake of proteins and caloric adequate in the perioperative setting and are nutritional goals met? Is there a possibility for iatrogenic malnutrition? What kind of nutrition would possibly be useful to optimize intake?