The role of glucose metabolism in wound healing: an overview

Glucose metabolism is the core process by which cells obtain energy, providing adenosine triphosphate and metabolic intermediates through glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle and supporting cell proliferation, migration, and functional maintenance. It not only fuels cells but also cranks out nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) via the pentose phosphate pathway. This NADPH is crucial for fending off oxidative stress, keeping immune responses in check, and playing a role in cell signaling. During the process of wound healing, glucose metabolism plays a crucial role in each stage. In the early stage, cells rely on glycolysis to generate energy for proliferation and migration; during the inflammatory phase, immune cells generate reactive oxygen species through glucose metabolism to eliminate pathogens; and during the proliferation and remodeling phase, glucose metabolism supports the generation of the extracellular matrix and tissue repair. However, in chronic wounds, abnormal glucose metabolism increases oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, significantly delaying wound healing. Understanding how abnormal glucose metabolism affects the wound microenvironment and cell function can help researchers develop new therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this review breaks down how glucose metabolism works at each stage of wound healing. We are highlighting its potential as something we can target therapeutically, and hoping to spark some fresh ideas and avenues for research and clinical use down the road.