(P23-007-23) Association Between Total Calorie and Protein Intake and Muscle Mass Preservation in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Objectives: Individuals with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) have higher needs for energy and protein due to having an open wound which causes an increase in protein catabolism and negative nitrogen balance. Inadequate intake of energy and protein could result in a decreased lean body mass, negatively affecting wound healing. Studies have shown that dietary intake of protein is essential in the growth and retaining of muscle mass in healthy populations; however, the associations between calorie and protein intake in maintaining muscle mass in patients with DFU have not been discovered yet. The aim of this study was to examine the association between dietary intake of calories and protein with change in lean body mass during 12 weeks of follow-up in patients with DFU.

Methods: Dietary intake of protein and calories were evaluated in patients (n= 28, 30-70 y, BMI≥25 kg/m²) who had at least one diabetic foot ulcer of grade 1A based on the University of Texas wound classification and were receiving medications for glycemic control. The dietary intake of participants were collected at baseline, 4-, 8-, and 12-week visits using 24-h dietary recalls. Lean body mass (LBM) was evaluated at baseline and every four weeks using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Pearson's correlation coefficient test was used for data analysis.

Results: There was a negative moderate correlation between the average dietary intake of protein and loss of LBM (<em>r</em>= -0.5; <em>P</em>< 0.01) in patients with DFU. Additionally, the average calorie intake of participants was negatively related to the loss of LBM (<em>r</em>=-0.5; <em>P</em>=0.01) in patients with DFU. Overall, patients with a higher average intake of energy and protein could better maintain their muscle mass.

Conclusions: The results of this study showed that increased dietary intake of energy and protein is significantly associated with muscle mass preservation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Dietary recommendations to patients with DFU should focus on minimizing the loss of muscle mass to improve wound healing. Future research should concentrate on evaluating the optimum amount of protein and energy to prevent/minimize the loss of muscle mass in patients with DFU.

Funding Sources: N/A