Honey dressings linked to more complete healing of diabetic foot ulcers
Pooled randomized trials favored honey dressings for complete healing, with less certain evidence about healing speed.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Across the included randomized trials, honey dressings were associated with higher odds of complete ulcer healing than conventional dressings. The evidence for this outcome was rated moderate. Healing also appeared faster, but that evidence was rated low. The abstract supports a cautious comparison of wound dressings, without establishing a universal treatment choice.
The abstract does not give units for the healing-time estimate or present adverse-event results, despite concluding that honey dressings are safe. It also does not describe the specific dressings or wound-care procedures used.
What researchers found
Odds of complete ulcer healing
Honey versus conventional dressings across trials with 4 to 24 weeks of follow-up; pooled odds ratio.
Understanding the healing result
Complete healing was the main result: the pooled odds ratio favored honey dressings. An odds ratio compares the odds of healing between groups; it is not a percentage increase in the number of wounds healed.
Different confidence across outcomes
The review separated the chance of complete healing from the time needed to reach it. Confidence in those outcomes differed, so the apparent improvement in healing speed deserves more caution than the healing-rate result.
The original publication
Honey dressing for diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Yao L, Dai J, Mei S
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41928876
- Record checked
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