Second Chances: Repurposed Drugs Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, Dr. G explores how existing medications — from metformin and insulin to statins, fentanyl, sildenafil, doxycycline and nitric oxide donors — are being repurposed to help heal stubborn diabetic foot ulcers. We review the biology behind each drug, early clinical evidence, and why topical formulations may offer targeted benefits with minimal systemic exposure.

Listeners will learn which agents show the strongest signals (topical insulin, topical metformin, topical statins), which remain promising but mixed (topical phenytoin), and how repurposed therapies fit as adjuncts to standard wound care rather than replacements. Practical takeaways include safety considerations, off-label use discussions, and the need for larger trials.