The Role of the Microbiome in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

This research is being done because people with diabetes have reduced healing capacity and prone to develop infections of foot wounds. This can be problematic because wounds that become infected may result in amputation and more severe complications. New evidence suggests that a better understanding of the microbiome of wounds (e.g., bacterial presence) may provide information about wound healing and provide an earlier opportunity to identify an individual who may be prone to develop diabetic foot infection in their wound. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of the microbiome of the diabetic foot ulcer in development of infection and wound healing. Once the role of the microbiome is confirmed, progress towards the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and complications may be possible.Participants: Patients with an active diabetic foot ulcer.1. Inclusion Criteria:- DFU patients with diabetes mellitus- Have a hemoglobin A1c[HbA1c] of 12% or less as measured within the last 6 months- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study2. Exclusion Criteria:- Pregnant or lactating- Uncontrolled blood glucose as demonstrated by by a HbA1c of greater than 12%- Bilateral wound or ulcer- Current infection of Coronavirus (COVID-19)- Unable to provide informed consent or are unwilling to participate.3. Subjects that are seen during usual care visits for management of diabetic foot ulcers in the University of Michigan (UM) Podiatry clinics within Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes (MEND), the UM Comprehensive Wound Care Center, and from those consented participants in the Diabetic Foot Consortium (DFC) Biomarkers for Active Diabetic Foot Ulcers study