Scientists may have found why diabetic wounds refuse to heal

A review by Yi Ru and colleagues details how immune cells malfunction in diabetic wounds: macrophages stay locked in pro-inflammatory M1 states, neutrophils and mast cells sustain chronic inflammation, and dendritic cells clear debris poorly. Diabetic ulcers affect over 131 million people and cost roughly $755 billion a year.

• Diabetic ulcers affect over 131 million people, costing about $755 billion a year
• Macrophages fail to shift from M1 to M2, prolonging inflammation and blocking repair
• Neutrophils and mast cells help sustain chronic inflammation
• Reduced SLC7A11 activity weakens dendritic cell function