A Clinical Intervention Study of Tangningtongluo on Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Purpose and significance:With the increasing incidence of Diabetes mellitus (DM), the incidence rate of Diabetic Foot (DF) is raised. DF is a foot infection, ulceration and / or deep tissue destruction caused by nerve abnormalities and varying degrees of vascular lesions in DM patients. The high incidence, disability and mortality rate of DF make it urgent to explore new ways to improve the cure rate, reduce the burden and elevate the quality of life. Previous studies have confirmed that traditional Miao ethic medicine Tangningtongluo(TNTL) can improve the remission rate of diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot disease, but the clinical research evidence is not sufficient. This study aims to provide effective clinical evidence for the treatment of diabetic foot patients with TNTL by observing growth rate of wound, prognosis and outcome.

Methods: From September 2021 to March 2023, a total of 80 diabetic foot ulcer patients admitted to Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University were recruited. Participants are randomized in a ratio of 1: 1: 1:1 into four treatment groups of 20 participants: (i) standardized western medicine treatment group, (ii) standardized western medicine treatment+TNTL tablet+TNTL cream group , (iii) standardized western medicine treatment+TNTL tablet group, and (iiii) standardized western medicine treatment+TNTL cream group. Treatment with TNTL tablets: the oral administration of TNTL tablets, 4 tablets each time, 3 times a day. Treatment with TNTL cream: topical application of sterile TNTL cream on the wound surface, the dressing is continuously changed according to the wound healing. Anthropometric parameters, serum biochemical index, glycosylated hemoglobin, urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio, islet-specific autoantibodies(ISAs), fat mass, and islet β-cell function were measured. The healing stage of the wound surface and the growth degree of granulation tissue were graded, and the time required for wound repairing to each healing stage was observed.

Type of study: randomized controlled, prospective,intervention study.

From September 2021 to March 2023, a total of 80 diabetic foot ulcer patients admitted to Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University were recruited. Participants are randomized in a ratio of 1: 1: 1:1 into four treatment groups of 20 participants: (i) standardized western medicine treatment group, (ii) standardized western medicine treatment+TNTL tablet+TNTL cream group , (iii) standardized western medicine treatment+TNTL tablet group, and (iiii) standardized western medicine treatment+TNTL cream group. Treatment with TNTL tablets: the oral administration of TNTL tablets, 4 tablets each time, 3 times a day. Treatment with TNTL cream: topical application of sterile TNTL cream on the wound surface, the dressing is continuously changed according to the wound healing. Anthropometric parameters, serum biochemical index, glycosylated hemoglobin, urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio, islet-specific autoantibodies(ISAs), fat mass, and islet β-cell function were measured. The healing stage of the wound surface and the growth degree of granulation tissue were graded, and the time required for wound repairing to each healing stage was observed.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus
* Clinical diagnosis of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Exclusion Criteria:

* Type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM), special type of diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus, drug-induced hyperglycemia
* TNTL allergy
* Chronic kidney failure（eGFR≤30ml/min/1.73cm2）, severe liver function damage (transaminase ≥ 3 times the normal value), acute or chronic pancreatitis, autoimmune disease, malignant tumors
* Recent acute complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus（ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar nonketotic diabetic coma, lactic acidosis etc.）or other emergency situations
* History of using glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants
* Mental illness and cognitive dysfunction or poor compliance, unable to take medication as required
* Malignant ulcer