Introduction: In 2024, the global prevalence of diabetes mellitus reached 589 million adults, while life expectancy of patients continues to increase. This has contributed to a higher incidence of diabetic foot ulcers, which occur in 19–34% of patients with diabetes. Current standard treatment of diabetic foot ulcers includes blood glucose control, pressure offloading, appropriate footwear, and wound care. In recent years, platelet-rich plasma therapy has emerged as an additional therapeutic option for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Purpose: The aim of the thesis was to present the healing of diabetic foot ulcers using platelet-rich plasma. In addition, the aim was to analyse findings from scientific literature regarding the use of this method, the rate of complications associated with its use, and the possible role of nursing care in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with this method based on the existing competencies of registered nurses. Methods: A descriptive literature review method was used for the period from 2017 to 2026. The literature search was conducted in English and Spanish using the bibliographic databases COBISS, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EBSCO, and Google Scholar. Twelve articles were included in the analysis. Results: The included studies demonstrated positive effects of platelet-rich plasma use. In studies comparing this method with standard care, wound healing was faster and treatment effectiveness was higher in intervention groups. Similar results were reported in studies without control groups. No complications associated with the use of platelet-rich plasma were reported. Data regarding the role of nursing care in treatment with platelet-rich plasma were limited, as nursing activities were not clearly defined in the included studies. Discussion and conclusion: The literature review indicates that platelet-rich plasma is an effective and safe additional treatment method for diabetic foot ulcers, as it promotes wound healing and is associated with a low rate of complications. Decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers remain within the physician’s scope of practice; however, registered nurses can participate in patient care within their competencies. Their role in treatment with platelet-rich plasma was not clearly defined in the analysed studies.
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