Therapeutic Effect of Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST-36) on Diabetic Foot Wounds
Clinical Observation and Mechanism Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST-36) in Promoting Diabetic Foot Wound Healing Through Mediating Macrophage Polarization
Zhongda Hospital
76 participants
Jul 15, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetic foot ulcers;
- Meet the criteria for Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome differentiation, classified as blood stasis obstructing the collateral pattern;
- Wagner Grade 1-3, with ulcer area ranging from 2 cm² to 30 cm²;
- Male or female, aged between 18 and 75 years;
- Provide signed informed consent, voluntarily participate in this study, and demonstrate good compliance.
Exclusion Criteria6
- Complicated with severe diseases of the brain, liver, heart, lungs, or kidneys;
- Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant;
- Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level ≥ 9%;
- Complicated with psychiatric disorders;
- Complicated with genetic or infectious diseases, malignant tumors, or other severe conditions associated with a short life expectancy;
- Concurrent participation in other clinical trials or participation within 4 weeks prior to randomization.
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Interventions
The primary acupuncture point is Zusanli (ST-36). Depending on the location of the gangrenous lesion, 1 to 2 additional local acupoints are chosen on intact skin near the affected area as adjunct points. After routine sterilization of the acupoint area, disposable sterile acupuncture needles (0.3 × 40 mm) are inserted perpendicularly to a depth of approximately 1 cun. An XS-998C photoelectric therapy device is used with a dense-sparse wave at frequency setting f1. The current intensity is adjusted to a level tolerable for the participant. Treatment is administered for 6 consecutive days, followed by a 1-day break. A total of 4 weeks constitutes one treatment course.
Locations(1)
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NCT07482137