Table 1.

A comparative analysis of the advantages and limitations of various treatment modalities for DFU.

Treatment methods	Advantages	limitations
Regulate blood glucose levels	By addressing the underlying causes of DFUs, wound healing can be significantly promoted.	Indirect treatment methods for DFUs fail to directly target the wound itself.
Manage and control infections	By managing infections to eliminate the substantial presence of pathogenic microorganisms around the wound, the inflammatory response induced by bacteria can be effectively suppressed.	The sources of infection in DFU can be diverse and complex and conventional antibiotic therapy alone may not effectively address all infection-related issues. Furthermore, deep-seated infections commonly associated with DFU are often difficult to control with topical antibiotic therapy alone and may require more invasive treatment approaches.
Perform wound debridement	Debridement facilitates the healing of healthy granulation tissue by removing necrotic tissue and foreign debris from the wound bed, making it a fundamental approach in the treatment of DFUs.	Debridement is only one component of a comprehensive treatment strategy for DFUs. Relying solely on debridement may not achieve complete resolution of DFUs. To attain optimal outcomes, debridement must be integrated with other therapeutic modalities.
Apply wound dressings	Wound dressings not only serve as a protective barrier for DFUs but also play a role in antimicrobial activity and the promotion of vascular and tissue regeneration.	Wound types and conditions vary among patients, and universal dressings may not meet the needs of all individuals. Therefore, treatment plans must be tailored based on the specific wound characteristics and the overall health status of the patient.
Decompression of wounds	Implementing offloading therapy to reduce plantar pressure is crucial for enhancing the healing of DFUs.	Wound decompression therapy does not address the underlying causes of delayed wound healing. To achieve the best therapeutic outcomes, it is essential to combine offloading therapy with other treatment modalities.
Employ negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)	NPWT not only maintains a clean and dry wound environment but also reduces the frequency of dressing changes.	The safety and efficacy of NPWT for DFU remain largely unclear. with ongoing debate and uncertainty regarding its application [95].
Administer hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)	HBOT not only promotes collagen synthesis, growth factor production, and neovascularization but also exhibits significant antimicrobial effects against anaerobic bacteria.	HBOT is currently limited to improving the short-term outcomes of DFUs, and there remains substantial debate regarding the overall efficacy of this treatment.
Employ skin substitutes	Skin substitutes can mimic the natural ECM and serve as carriers for cells and growth factors, thereby effectively enhancing wound healing.	As foreign materials, skin substitutes carry the risk of being rejected by the body.
Treatment utilizing MSCs	Unlike traditional therapies that merely protect the wound and rely on the body's inherent healing capacity, MSC therapy promotes wound healing through systematic regulation of multiple aspects related to DFUs. Therefore, it presents a more effective alternative to conventional treatments.	MSCs therapy is associated with limitations such as the risk of recipient cell rejection and potential for tumorigenesis.