Nutrition and Wound Healing

1. Protein:

Protein is the main ingredient your body uses to rebuild tissue. In wound healing, the amount of protein your body needs increases because it is vital for making new skin, muscle, and blood vessels.

Good sources include:

• Lean meats like chicken or turkey
• Fish (especially oily fish such as salmon or sardines, which also contain omega-3 fats that fight inflammation)
• Eggs
• Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
• Vegetarian sources like tofu, tempeh, nuts and seeds
• Dairy foods such as milk, yoghurt and cheese

These foods also have the bonus of helping you feel full. When you eat them with carbohydrate containing foods, they will also prevent spikes in BGL. It is important to include a protein source at each meal to give your body enough to promote healing.

2. Vitamins and Minerals:

Several vitamins and minerals play roles in wound healing:

• Vitamin C helps your body make collagen, the “glue” that holds new tissue together. Find it in citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and capsicum.
• Zinc supports the immune system and helps form new cells. You’ll find it in lean meats, seafood, nuts, seeds and wholegrains.
• Vitamin A helps your skin and immune system work properly. Sources include orange coloured vegetables like carrots and sweet potato or pumpkin, as well as leafy greens.
• Iron helps carry oxygen around your body. It is especially important that enough oxygen gets to the wounded area to allow it to heal. Good animal sources are lean red meat, and chicken. Vegetarian sources can be harder to absorb – such as lentils, fortified grains and green leafy vegetables. Pair these with the vitamin C foods listed above to help your body absorb vegetable-based iron. 

Thinking about all these vitamin and minerals in isolation can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry; simply aim to eat a wide variety of colourful foods - especially fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains, and you will likely get a sufficient supply of these nutrients naturally.

Sometimes a zinc supplement can be recommended for wound healing, speak to your healthcare provider to see if this is appropriate for you.

3. Healthy Fats:

Healthy fats, such as those from olive oil, avocado, nuts, and oily fish, can help reduce inflammation and support blood circulation, both important for healing wounds. Aside from wound healing, these fats support heart health, help to lower cholesterol and can help replace less healthy fats found in deep-fried foods, processed snacks, or fatty meats.

4. Hydration:

Water is just as important as nutrition for wound healing. Your skin cells need moisture to form new tissue. Aim to drink water regularly throughout the day, you can also include teas, coffee and milk here too. If you enjoy foods like soup or sugar-free jelly, these will also top up your fluid intake.

5. Balancing Blood Glucose for Better Healing

Keeping BGL in your target range helps wounds heal faster and reduces the risk of infection. Eating balanced meals that include fibre, lean protein, and healthy fats can help prevent BGL spiking after eating.

6. When to Seek Extra Help

Examine yourself every day, especially harder to see areas like the soles of your feet and in between your toes. Catching any injury early is the best way to prevent it getting worse. Let your healthcare team know if healing seems slow or if there are any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, the area feeling hot or pain. For deeper wounds or ulcers, especially on the feet, professional medical support is essential. Everyone with diabetes should visit a podiatrist at least once per year, to check the circulation (pulse) in your lower legs and feet, and to test the sensations in your feet and lower legs (nerves).

Summary:

Healing takes time, but nourishing your body well can make a real difference. Eating enough protein, enjoying colourful fruit and vegetables, staying hydrated, and aiming to keep blood glucose levels in range all help your body repair itself from the inside out.

For additional support, you can book an appointment with one of our dietitians through our specialised diabetes clinic Diabetes Care Plus