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Big news! 👟✨
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Welcome to the Diabetic Foot Files Podcast—the show where real stories, latest research, and essential tips to help prevent diabetic foot complications. I’m Dr. G / Dr WoundPicasso aka Dr. Gabrielle Hutcheson Donaldson and as a podiatrist and wound care specialist . I’m here to educate, empower, and guide you through the world of diabetic foot care. From wound healing to amputation prevention, we’ll break down the facts, bust the myths, and share life-saving strategies. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this podcast is your go-to resource for healthier feet and a better quality of life. So let’s dive in—because take care of your feet, because the take care of you
We’ve teamed up with DARCO to bring you 25% off the POGO shoe? Want to keep walking strong and prevent ulcers before they start?
Visit darcodirect.com/product/pogo/ and use our exclusive code FootFiles25 at checkout to save 25% off your pair.
Welcome to the Diabetic Foot Files Podcast—the show where real stories, latest research, and essential tips to help prevent diabetic foot complications. I’m Dr. G / Dr WoundPicasso aka Dr. Gabrielle Hutcheson Donaldson and as a podiatrist and wound care specialist . I’m here to educate, empower, and guide you through the world of diabetic foot care. From wound healing to amputation prevention, we’ll break down the facts, bust the myths, and share life-saving strategies. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this podcast is your go-to resource for healthier feet and a better quality of life. So let’s dive in—because take care of your feet, because the take care of you
192Â Episodes
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Dr. G dives into the Proteus genus—Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris—explaining their history, swarming behavior, urease-driven alkalinization, virulence factors, and why diabetic foot ulcers provide the perfect environment for these pathogens.
The episode covers clinical clues (strong ammonia odor), diagnostic differences, biofilm-driven resistance, treatment priorities (sharp debridement, systemic antibiotics, pH control, and topical agents), and case examples including osteomyelitis and crystal formation.
In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files we explore Serratia marcescens — a red-pigment producing, opportunistic gram-negative bacterium that can rapidly worsen diabetic foot ulcers. We cover its history, microbiology and virulence, clinical clues (including the telltale pink drainage on dressings), diagnostic tips, and culture-directed treatment strategies.
The episode also reviews wound care approaches to disrupt biofilm, antibiotic options guided by sensitivities, prevention steps for clinics and patients, and real-world case examples to help clinicians protect limbs and improve outcomes.
Dr. D breaks down two standardized swab techniques—the Levine and the Essen rotary methods—and explains why proper wound cleansing and pressure-based sampling are critical to getting accurate cultures. Learn step-by-step instructions, common mistakes to avoid, and when to use each method for diabetic foot ulcers.
This episode highlights evidence comparing each technique to deep tissue biopsy, real clinical case examples, and practical tips to reduce false negatives, detect anaerobes, and improve patient outcomes.
In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files we walk through below‑knee amputation (BKA): why it’s performed, how surgeons select the level, and the step‑by‑step surgical technique including flap design, vascular and nerve management, and bone handling.
We discuss risks of delaying surgery, post‑op care and staged rehabilitation, pain and phantom limb strategies, and the key questions patients and families should ask when facing a BKA.
Clinically accurate, compassionate, and practical—this episode helps patients and caregivers understand when BKA can be life‑saving and how to prepare for recovery and return to function.
This episode explores how healthcare reimbursement incentives make amputations far more profitable than months of limb salvage and wound care for patients with diabetic foot disease.
It explains the reimbursement differences, who benefits financially, why wound care programs struggle to stay open, and practical questions patients should ask to protect their limbs.
This episode of Diabetic Foot Files explains when and how it’s safe to expose dressings, incisions, ulcers or amputation sites to water — covering showers, baths, pools, beaches and hot tubs.
Learn why uncontrolled moisture causes maceration, slower healing and infections (Pseudomonas, MRSA, Vibrio), and get practical prevention tips: use professional waterproof protectors or sponge baths, keep dressings dry, wait until sutures are out and there’s no drainage for 48–72 hours, and always get explicit clearance from your provider before swimming or bathing.
This episode explores the human side of diabetic foot ulcers and how they affect dating, self‑image, and intimacy. Dr. G blends medical facts, psychology, practical tips (what to wear, safe positions, disclosure scripts), and patient stories to help listeners date confidently while healing.
Topics include the science of wound odor and drainage, mobility and fashion hacks, timing and scripting disclosure, low‑mobility date ideas, safe intimacy practices, and rebuilding identity after amputation—aimed at empowering patients and partners.
In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files Dr. G explores how pets can contaminate diabetic wounds, the common zoonotic bacteria involved (Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, Staphylococcus species, Pseudomonas, Bartonella, fungi), why dog licking is a medical emergency, and typical signs of infection to watch for.
The episode also covers recommended antiseptics and antibiotics, practical home prevention strategies (pet-free dressing areas, hand hygiene, laundering, grooming), and clear red flags when to seek emergency care.
Dr. G examines acetic acid (medical vinegar) as a low-cost, evidence-based treatment for multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in diabetic foot ulcers. The episode explains the bacterium's virulence and biofilm behavior, how acetic acid works (pH lowering, membrane and biofilm disruption), recommended concentrations (0.25–1%), application methods, safety precautions, and clinical outcomes.
Listeners receive concise, practical guidance including soak times, treatment duration, and cautions for exposed bone, plus case examples and why acetic acid is a valuable, accessible tool for limb salvage and resource-limited settings.
Dr. Gabrielle Hutchinson-Donaldson explains when elective foot surgery is appropriate for people with diabetes, the key green and red flags to consider, and what must be included in valid informed consent.
Learn how to prevent and manage post-operative wounds—what to do if an incision opens, steps for offloading, testing, imaging, pathology, and when to seek a wound care or limb salvage specialist to avoid infection, osteomyelitis, or amputation.
In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files the host exposes why patients with diabetic wounds are often unfairly blamed and explains how system gaps, provider bias, and limited training cause poor outcomes.
Learn what thorough wound investigation looks like, what patients can and cannot control, and how both clinicians and patients can advocate for better, evidence-based limb preservation.
Dr. G explains why people with diabetes are far more vulnerable to surgical site infections — covering neuropathy, poor blood flow, high blood sugars, immune dysfunction, and common pathogens that colonize incisions.
The episode reviews high-risk foot procedures, signs of infection, and evidence-based prevention: preoperative optimization, vascular assessment, strict glucose control, meticulous surgical technique, incisional hygiene, strict offloading, and early intervention.
Key takeaway: most diabetic surgical site infections are preventable with careful patient selection, close follow-up, and responsible wound care — because every incision in a diabetic deserves special attention to avoid serious complications.
In this episode Dr. G explains “holiday heel” — calcaneal (heel) fractures that spike during the holidays from ladder falls, slips and carrying heavy decorations. Learn the common mechanisms, key exam findings (plantar bruising, Mulder’s sign, inability to bear weight), and why diabetics are at higher risk due to neuropathy, poor bone quality, and slower healing.
Dr. G covers emergency concerns such as compartment syndrome, diagnostic steps including x-ray and CT, immediate management (non‑weightbearing, splinting, ER evaluation), expected recovery, and diabetic-specific complications. The episode finishes with clear prevention tips: ladder safety, proper footwear, clearing hazards, checking blood sugar, and delegating risky tasks.
This episode offers a concise Thanksgiving survival plan for people with diabetes: which foods help or harm wound healing, how to manage blood sugar before and after the meal, and which holiday habits raise ulcer risk.
Learn practical tips on protective footwear, offloading during long cooking or shopping days, burn and fall prevention, and when to inspect feet or seek urgent care.
Simple, actionable advice on what to eat, what to avoid, blood glucose targets and monitoring times, and immediate steps to take if you notice redness, drainage, or swelling.
Dr. G uses the Mercury Retrograde analogy to explain why diabetic foot ulcers often recur, covering medical and mechanical causes like osteomyelitis, unresolved pressure, neuropathy, scar tissue, and poor footwear. He outlines common hotspot locations, signs of underlying bone infection, and why healed skin remains fragile.
The episode emphasizes immediate reassessment for reopened wounds, essential tests (cultures, labs, X-ray/MRI), and proven prevention: timely offloading (TCC, boots, custom orthotics), footwear adjustments, surgical fixes when needed, daily foot checks, moisturizing, and close follow-up to stop the cycle and avoid amputation.
Dr. G compares diabetic foot ulcers to a "situationship"—a pattern of ignoring early warning signs, inconsistent care, and delayed follow-up that lets small wounds become serious. This episode explains how ulcers can appear suddenly, linger, and then worsen if not treated promptly.
Dr. G covers the red flags (swelling, drainage, odor, persistent callus), the essentials of assessment and treatment (debridement, culture, x-ray, vascular checks, offloading), and clear prevention steps: daily foot checks, strict follow-up, glucose control, avoiding barefoot/pressure, and proper footwear. The takeaway: don’t ignore small problems—early action prevents complications and amputations.
Dr. G returns with a real-world diabetic foot case about exposed tendons, focusing on the peroneus brevis. This episode explains why exposed tendons resist healing, when tendon excision is necessary (infection, necrosis, persistent biofilm, or lack of granulation), and the trade-offs between biomechanics and limb salvage.
Practical tips covered include keeping exposed tendons moist, immobilization, fenestration, serial debridement, use of grafts or scaffolds, and postoperative rehabilitation including bracing and physical therapy. The episode emphasizes that saving the limb often means removing structures that prevent wound closure.
Dr. G returns to Diabetic Foot Files to explain why winter can increase the risk of aggressive diabetic foot infections, including gas gangrene. She reviews how cold-induced vasoconstriction, reduced oxygen, cracked skin, and warm boot environments create anaerobic conditions that favor Clostridium species.
The episode covers warning signs to watch for—severe pain, discoloration, crepitus, foul odor, and systemic toxicity—along with recommended diagnostics (X-ray, CT/MRI, labs) and urgent treatments such as surgical debridement, IV antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen.
Practical prevention tips are shared: daily foot checks, moisturize safely, keep footwear dry and rotated, avoid direct heat, maintain circulation, and follow up promptly with your clinician. The message: stay vigilant this winter and seek immediate care for suspicious wounds.
In this episode Dr. G explains why offloading — removing pressure from the ulcer site — is the single most important intervention for neuropathic plantar diabetic foot ulcers. He reviews evidence and guidelines that favor non-removable total contact casts, practical offloading options, and how to integrate offloading into a full treatment plan.
Key points include screening and treating infection and ischemia, sharp debridement, ensuring patient adherence through non-removable devices, and using adjunctive therapies when appropriate. The episode emphasizes multidisciplinary care, patient education, and frequent monitoring to optimize healing.
Dr. G examines how growth factors act as fertilizers, and how oxygen and light therapies function like sunlight and air to revive chronic diabetic foot ulcers. He explains key molecules (EGF, PDGF, VEGF, FGF, TGF‑β), the problem of growth factor resistance in diabetes, and bedside treatments including PRP, topical/recombinant growth factors, topical and hyperbaric oxygen, and photobiomodulation.
Using clinical anecdotes and a “please grow for me” theme, the episode surveys current approaches and emerging technologies (smart dressings, nanoparticle delivery, adaptive LED devices) for actively cultivating wound healing.
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