Topical Insulin Versus Insulin Irrigation on Wound Healing among Patients with Venous Leg Ulcer

Abstract

Background: Venous Leg Ulcer (VLU) is a serious condition affecting the lower extremities and accounts for 70% of leg ulcers globally. Objective: To evaluate the effects of topical insulin versus insulin irrigation on wound healing in patients with venous leg ulcers. Methods: A quasi-experimental design (pre/post-test non-equivalent control group) was employed. The study was conducted at the Vascular Disease Outpatient Clinic of Cairo University Hospitals, Egypt. A convenience sample of 90 adult male and female patients was divided into three groups receiving wound dressings: Study Group A (using topical insulin), Study Group B (using insulin irrigation with normal saline), and a control group (using Betadine or Betadine with normal saline as part of routine hospital care). Two tools were utilised: (1) Personal and Medical Data Form, and (2) the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. Results: The mean ages of patients were 41.1 ± 11.7, 42.5 ± 12.3, and 39.2 ± 13.1 years in Study Group A, Study Group B, and the control group, respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed between Study Groups A and B and the control group in relation to total mean scores for wound healing (X² = 21.1, 91.1, 0.80; P = 0.00, 0.00, 0.45, respectively) during the first and second assessments. Conclusion: The study concluded that both topical insulin and insulin irrigation are effective new modalities for wound dressing and significantly enhance VLU healing. The study should be replicated with a larger sample size in different settings. It is essential for nurse researchers to conduct regular workshops and training sessions in collaboration with healthcare providers working in vascular disease units, emphasising the importance of insulin application in improving wound healing among VLU patients.