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Cover: a nurse dressing a diabetic foot wound

Diabetic foot ulcers: how stem cells aim to save the limb

One of diabetes' most dangerous complications

Quick answer

Diabetic foot ulcers are notoriously hard to heal, prone to spreading infection and sepsis, and in severe cases lead to toe or ankle amputation. EHL Bio reports using stem cells to help ulcers close and preserve foot function, showing wound progression before treatment and after the 1st, 2nd and 5th doses. The proposed mechanism is new capillary formation plus reduced chronic inflammation in the wound bed.

Key facts

Main causes
Neuropathy + arterial disease
Doses in case series
Followed to the 5th dose
Proposed mechanism
Angiogenesis, reduced inflammation
Must accompany
Debridement, offloading, glucose control
Risk if untreated
Sepsis, amputation

Why diabetic foot ulcers refuse to close

Diabetic ulcers arise from peripheral neuropathy (so injuries go unfelt), peripheral arterial disease (poor perfusion) and impaired immunity — turning a small wound chronic within weeks.

The standard care that always comes first

Standard care always comes first: glucose control, debridement, offloading with specialist footwear or casting, infection control, and vascular assessment to decide whether revascularisation is needed.

Cell therapy as an adjunct for stubborn wounds

Cell therapy is positioned as an adjunct where a wound will not close despite full standard care. Global evidence is mixed across peri-wound cell injection, cell-seeded dressings and growth factor products, with outcomes tracking the patient's vascular status.

Daily foot care that prevents amputation

What genuinely saves limbs is daily foot inspection and immediate medical review at any wound, redness or unusual odour — a delay of days can turn a healable ulcer into limb loss.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can diabetic ulcers heal on their own?

    Very superficial wounds may heal with good glucose control and no infection, but deep or necrotic wounds always need medical care.

  • Is vascular testing needed first?

    Very much so. Without adequate perfusion, no cell or drug closes the wound; revascularisation may be required first.

  • Can cells be used on an infected wound?

    Generally infection must be controlled first; adjunctive therapy to speed closure comes afterwards.

  • How do I prevent recurrence?

    Pressure-offloading footwear, daily foot checks, correct nail care and regular diabetic foot clinic follow-up.

Medical cautions

5 points • reviewed 2026-08-28

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  • This article is educational information only — not a diagnosis, prescription, or personal medical advice.
  • Outcomes vary by person, depending on age, underlying conditions, current medication, and the treating doctor's technique.
  • Consult a licensed physician and verify the clinic's licence before deciding on any treatment.
  • Some treatments (certain stem cell therapies in particular) are regulated differently by country — check Thai and Korean rules before travelling.
  • Prices, packages, and service details can change — confirm directly with the provider before paying.

Reviewed and last updated: 2026-08-28

References and sources

10 sources • every claim is traceable

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  1. 1. EHL Bio — company introduction

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/company/about/

  2. 2. EHL Bio — company history

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/company/history/

  3. 3. EHL Bio — GMP centre

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/rd/gmp/

  4. 4. EHL Bio — stem cell therapeutics pipeline

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/rd/institute/

  5. 5. EHL Bio — patents and research papers

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/rd/patent/

  6. 6. EHL Bio — EHL-STEM conditioned media

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/conditioned/

  7. 7. EHL Bio — immune cells

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/immune_cell/

  8. 8. EHL Bio — target diseases

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/cure/index/

  9. 9. EHL Bio — locations and contact

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/company/contact/

  10. 10. Original article on khunkim.com (pre-migration)

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/cure/diabetes/

Browse the full reference library →

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Last updated: 2026-08-28 · This content is for information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor before making treatment decisions.

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