AIMS: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a major role in wound healing: they can degrade all components of the extracellular matrix. In diabetic foot ulcers there is an excess of MMPs and a decrease of the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). This imbalance is probably one cause of impaired healing. However, little is known about changes in MMPs during wound healing. METHODS: Sixteen patients with neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers participated. Wound fluid was collected regularly during the 12-week follow-up period, for measurement of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9 and TIMP-1. Results were analysed by the degree of wound healing: good healers (defined by a reduction of at least 82% in initial wound surface at 4 weeks) and poor healers (reduction of less than 82% in wound surface at 4 weeks). RESULTS: In good healers, levels of MMP-8 and -9 secreted by inflammatory cells decreased earlier. The initial levels of MMP-1 were similar in good and poor healers (P = 0.1) but rose significantly at week 2 in good healers (P = 0.039). There was a significant correlation between a high ratio of MMP-1/TIMP-1 and good healing (r = 0.65, P = 0.008). Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) analysis showed that an MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio of 0.39 best predicted wound healing (sensitivity = 71%, specificity = 87.5%). CONCLUSIONS: A high level of MMP-1 seems essential to wound healing, while an excess of MMP-8 and -9 is deleterious, and could be a target for new topical treatments. The MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio is a predictor of wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers.