Biochemical Evaluation of Wound Healing Biomarkers in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients in Kogi State

Diabetic foot ulcers represent a major complication of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, frequently leading to amputation and mortality in Nigerian hospitals. This study evaluates biochemical markers associated with wound healing including serum albumin, C-reactive protein, fibronectin, and zinc in patients with diabetic foot ulcers attending a surgical unit in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was employed, recruiting 80 patients with confirmed diabetic foot ulcers. Wound severity was classified using the Wagner grading system, and biochemical assays were performed using standard methods. Glycated haemoglobin and fasting blood glucose were measured to assess glycaemic control status. Nutritional assessment was performed using body mass index and dietary history. The study evaluates whether nutritional and inflammatory biochemical markers correlate with wound severity grade and healing trajectory as documented in clinical notes. Findings are expected to identify low albumin and elevated CRP as the most significant biochemical barriers to healing in this population. Recommendations for structured nutritional biochemistry support in diabetic foot ulcer management in North Central Nigeria are discussed. Keywords: diabetic foot ulcer, wound healing, serum albumin, CRP, Kogi State.