Honey in The Management of Diabetic Foot : A Review of The Literature

"Honey is healing for man" is mentioned in the Holy Quran (Surah An-Nahl 16:69). Honey has many therapeutic properties such as anti-acteria, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immune booster, and cell growth stimulator. It also promotes wound healing. Diabetic patients are at increased risk of having infection over the foot (diabetic foot) due to presence of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. Management of diabetic foot revolves around surgery and wound dressing. Wound healing in diabetic patient is unpredictable. Delayed wound-healing results in higher chance of secondary infection. This paper illustrates the therapeutic properties of honey in relation to management of diabetic foot. Studies showed that honey reduces inflammation and kills bacteria thus accelerates wound healing. Honey confers less side effect compare to other chemical medicine such as antibiotics. It also soothes the pain, non-irritating, gives no secondary reactions and its allergy is rare. It is a cost-effective method of dressing that can be used in underdeveloped countries. This paper was prepared for Special Study of Module, Year 4 Medical Student, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.