*2.1.5 Growth factors and skin substitutes*

In a meta-analysis of the research supporting the use of active skin replacements as well as the growth factors in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, Buchberger et al. found that the combination of these treatments did lead to a greater incidence and quicker time to complete wound healing [29].

Recent research has also indicated that the administration of granulocyte colonystimulating factor can reduce the need for surgical procedures, as seen by a general decline in the risk of amputation for diabetic foot ulcers. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor boosts neutrophil activity by increasing the release of neutrophil progenitors from the bone marrow. More research is still needed to support these findings and determine which patient populations may benefit from this therapy the most.


**Table 1.** *Pain management in diabetic foot.* 

*Current Perspective of Prevention and Management of Diabetic Foot DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.108197*


#### **Table 2.**

*Infection control with antibiotics in diabetic foot.*
