Effects of local use of insulin on wound healing in non-diabetic patients

Abstract

Background: Clinical trials have shown the positive effects of local insulin therapy in the formation of new vessels and fibrosis in acute and chronic diabetic wounds without major adverse effects. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of local insulin use on wound healing in non-diabetic patients. Methods: A randomized, split-plot, double-blind, placebocontrolled trial was conducted. Ten non-diabetic patients with full-thickness acute wounds were recruited (5 due to trauma, 3 to burns, and 2 to pressure). All wounds received standard bedside treatment. Each wound was divided into 2 zones. One side received a standard care plus insulin, while the other received standard care plus injection of saline solution. A biopsy specimen was taken from both sites on days 0 and 14. The amount of blood vessel growth and the percentage of fibrosis were evaluated. Results: A significant difference in the number of new vessels was observed on the insulin-treated site (70.6 [29.21]) compared to saline only (26.5 [34.3]; P