Complicated Cases, Limited Resources - One Solution: Medical-grade Honey Use In Diabetic Ulcers

Background: With diabetes considered a major global health problem, its rising prevalence will affect worldwide populations without regard for geographic location. Concerns are fueled by elevated public health care costs associated with the treatment and prevention of the disease, making cost-effectiveness a key player in the path forward. Honey has undergone notable resurgence in the face of antimicrobial resistance and difficulties associated with wound healing, because it demonstrates properties that are essential to wound bed preparation and that lead to rapid healing progression.

Objective: This case series demonstrates the successful treatment of lower limb diabetic wounds, with varying severity, through the use of medical grade honey (MGH) alone, indicating its potential as a very cost-effective solution.

Materials and Methods: Three men with diabetes presented with diabetes-associated wounds of the lower limbs, which varied in severity and duration. All wounds were treated with only MGH products, including a honey gel form and honey tulle form and were subsequently covered with foam as a secondary dressing. Dressing changes took place every 2 to 3 days.

Results: Wound progression revealed a decrease in size and a reduction of inflammation, as well as fast rate of epithelialization for all wounds. In addition, autolytic debridement was enhanced by the honey action, leading to quick elimination of slough and infection.

Conclusions: Keeping in mind that the spread of diabetes respects no physical boundaries, it is imperative to provide patients with economic solutions. Medical-grade honey demonstrates the potential to provide wounds with the required characteristics at every stage of healing, from antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, to providing a moist wound bed and fast epithelialization, with extreme efficacy and affordability.