Diabetes Foot Care

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if electroacupuncture at the Zusanli (ST-36) can assist in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The main question it aims to answer is: Can electroacupuncture at the Zusanli (ST-36) promote wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers? Researchers will compare outcomes between participants receiving electroacupuncture plus standard treatment and those receiving standard treatment alone to assess the effect of Zusanli (ST36) stimulation on wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Participants will: Receive standard diabetes treatment (including diabetes education, dietary control, insulin combined with oral hypoglycemic agents to manage blood glucose, and effective antibiotics to control infection. For patients with foot ulcers, the wound will be cleaned with saline; abscesses will be drained if present; daily dressing changes.) Participants in the electroacupuncture group will receive electroacupuncture at Zusanli(ST-36) every day; 6 sessions constitute one treatment course, for a total of 4 courses. Visit the hospital for examinations before treatment and after each treatment course to measure the ankle-brachial index (ABI), assess diabetic foot Wagner grade, and evaluate hemodynamic parameters.

Diabetes is a significant health problem affecting approximately half a billion people worldwide, reaching alarming levels. Diabetic foot ulcers are among the most common and serious complications of diabetes. Diabetes is the most common cause of end-stage renal failure, and diabetic nephropathy is identified as a major risk factor for foot ulcers and amputation. The health belief model is a model that explains behavior. Focusing on the necessary motivational resources for the development of positive health behaviors in individuals is crucial for positive patient outcomes in the education of diabetic hemodialysis patients. It is necessary for hemodialysis nurses to educate diabetic patients on foot care knowledge, improve foot care behaviors, and prevent the development of foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations. However, the lack of studies in the literature on nurse-led foot care education interventions based on the health belief model for diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis constitutes the strength and unique aspect of this study. The research will be conducted using a randomized controlled pretest-posttest design.