The diabetic foot ulcer is among the most serious diabetes-associated complications, with a long disease course considerably increasing the pain and economic burden of patients, leading to amputation and even death. High blood sugar is characteristic of diabetic foot ulcers, with insufficient blood supply, oxidative stress disorder, and high-risk bacterial infection posing great challenges for disease treatment. Advances in hydrogel dressings have shown potential for the management of diabetic foot ulcers involving multisystem lesions. This study comprehensively reviews the pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcers and advances in hydrogel dressings in treating diabetic foot ulcers, providing innovative perspectives for assessing the nursing care requirements and associated clinical applications.