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Hydration
• Hydration status affects blood volume, blood circulation, and skin turgor, all
of which are important in the wound-healing process.
• Standard maintenance fluid requirements are 25–35 mL/kg/day for healthy
adults.
Diet
• Dietary changes are often the best starting point when it comes to
nutrition intervention in patients with DFUs.
• Patients should start by eating less unhealthy fat, such as trans-fat,
saturated fat, and cholesterol, and eating more unsaturated fats.
• Priority should be given to nutrient dense foods.
• Sodium intake should be reduced to 3,400 mg or less per day to help with
control of blood pressure.
• Oral nutrition supplements (ONS) can be taken between meals as needed
to help provide additional protein and micronutrients.
• Patients should consider varying the types of foods and supplements taken
to avoid taste fatigue.
• High-calorie, high-protein fortified foods and supplements should be
offered, in addition to dietary changes, when dietary changes alone are not
sufficient to meet nutritional requirements.
