Effectiveness of Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers:  A  Systematic Review

Q: Who are the authors of this article and where was it published?

Mouna Elleuch, Khouloud Boujelbene, Zeinab Krichen, Mariem Maaoui, Roua Ellouze, Zaineb Fourati, Nadia Charfi, Faten Hadj Kacem, Mouna Mnif, Dhouha Ben Salah, Nabila Rekik. Published in Advances in Obesity, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Vol. 3, No. 2, (2026).

Q: Is the full text of this article freely available?

Yes. This article is published open access under CC BY 4.0. The full text and PDF can be downloaded free of charge.

Q: What are the key topics covered in this article?

Diabetic foot, Laser therapy, ulcer, podiatrist.

Mouna Elleuch; Khouloud Boujelbene; Zeinab Krichen; Mariem Maaoui; Roua Ellouze; Zaineb Fourati; Nadia Charfi; Faten Hadj Kacem; Mouna Mnif; Dhouha Ben Salah; Nabila Rekik

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Effectiveness of Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review

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Published in July - December 2026 (Vol. 3, Issue 2, 2026)

Effectiveness of Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review - Issue cover

Keywords

Diabetic foot Laser therapy ulcer podiatrist

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are among the most serious and costly complications of diabetes mellitus, often leading to infection, amputation, and a significant decline in quality of life. Despite conventional treatment strategies, many DFUs remain slow to heal or unresponsive, prompting interest in complementary therapies. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a non- invasive, painless, and potentially effective modality to enhance ulcer healing through mechanisms like improved microcirculation and tissue regeneration. Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in promoting the healing of diabetic foot ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Elsevier databases up to April 2025. Studies were included if they investigated the use of LLLT in treating DFUs in type 2 diabetic patients. Inclusion criteria focused on randomized controlled trials and clinical studies available in English or French. Study selection followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and a narrative synthesis of outcomes was performed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and clinical studies, with sample sizes ranging from 7 to 413 participants. The findings consistently demonstrated that LLLT significantly reduced ulcer size, accelerated healing time, improved pain management, and enhanced granulation without reported adverse effects. While heterogeneity existed in laser parameters and treatment protocols, the overall quality of evidence was considered high. Conclusion: LLLT appears to be a safe, effective, and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. Its ability to promote wound healing and reduce complications offers promising implications for clinical practice. However, further large-scale and standardized trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal treatment guidelines.