Diabetic Foot Files
Big news! 👟✨ 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
Episodes

Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Big news! 👟✨
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 first installment of "WounsCare Wednesdays" on the Diabetic Foot Files podcast. In this episode, Dr. G dives deep into the challenges and solutions surrounding diabetic ulcers, exploring why these wounds can stall and how they can be set back on the path to healing. From understanding the wound healing process to exploring the top reasons for delayed recovery, listeners will learn about effective offloading, the importance of debridement, and strategies to overcome poor circulation and infection.
Dr. G shares real-life success stories and introduces advanced wound care techniques, like wound vacs, negative pressure devices, and skin substitutes, that can significantly speed up recovery. With insightful tips for both patients and providers, this episode emphasizes the importance of teamwork, compliance, and regular monitoring for successful diabetic wound management.

Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Big news! 👟✨ 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
In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, Dr. G delves into the significant role of enzymatic debridement in the management of diabetic foot ulcers. We uncover the potential of Santyl, a collagenase ointment, used in breaking down necrotic tissue to promote healthier, faster healing. Learn about its selective action, benefits, application tips, and considerations, including potential side effects and patient comfort. Gain insight into real-world case studies highlighting its effectiveness in limb preservation and ulcer management. Stay tuned as we explore these critical aspects of diabetic foot care and the teamwork required, likened to the Avenger's approach, to manage complex wound care scenarios efficiently.

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Big news! 👟✨ 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
In this eye-opening episode of Diabetic Foot Files, Dr. G delves into the critical differences between cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis, two potentially life-threatening infections that affect diabetic patients. Through real-life cases and expert insights, learn to identify the subtle yet crucial signs that could mean the difference between swift recovery and severe complications, including amputation. Join us as we emphasize the importance of thorough investigations, from CT scans to MRI, and the need for heightened awareness among healthcare providers and diabetic patients alike. Prevention is key; understanding these infections not only saves limbs but also lives. Don’t miss out on vital tips for daily diabetic foot care and how to advocate for your health effectively.

Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
Big news! 👟✨ 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 back to the Diabetic Foot Files, where we dive into the essential connection between diabetic foot ulcers and heart health. In this episode, Dr. G, a double board-certified podiatrist and wound care specialist, explores how cardiology plays a vital role in managing diabetic foot conditions. Discover why these ulcers serve as a red flag for underlying heart issues such as coronary artery disease, and learn the importance of a comprehensive cardiovascular workup.
Understand the symptoms of silent autonomic angina that often go unnoticed in diabetic patients and how peripheral arterial disease impacts wound healing. Gain insights into why it's paramount to consult a cardiologist if you have a diabetic ulcer, ensuring survival and reducing limb loss.
This episode is a reminder that saving feet begins with saving your heart, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to diabetic care. Journey with us through stories, personal reflections, and medical insights that emphasize the intertwined nature of cardiac health and diabetic foot care.

Sunday May 25, 2025
Sunday May 25, 2025
Big news! 👟✨ 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
In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, Dr. G explores the often-overlooked cause of delayed wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers: vasculitis. Despite suffering from a cold, Dr. G passionately explains how this inflammation of blood vessels can mimic and exacerbate foot ulcers, highlighting key symptoms and diagnostic clues.
The episode delves into the various types of vasculitis that may affect diabetic patients and their role in complicating wound healing, as well as the clinical and lab indicators for diagnosis. Dr. G emphasizes the importance of early detection and a multidisciplinary approach in managing the condition efficiently.
Listeners are guided through diagnostic strategies, potential treatments, and real-world case studies to help recognize and address this hidden complication. The episode concludes with practical advice for maintaining foot health and the necessity of involving a dedicated healthcare team in the diagnostic process, underscoring the message that awareness can ultimately save limbs and lives.

Saturday May 24, 2025
Saturday May 24, 2025
Big news! 👟✨ 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 this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, where Dr. G delves into the complexities of surgical wounds in diabetic patients, particularly how they can develop into chronic ulcers. This discussion is especially tailored for healthcare professionals, diabetic patients considering elective surgeries, and caregivers. Learn about the unique risks diabetics face during post-operative recovery, including weakened skin integrity, impaired immune response, and the risk of peripheral arterial disease.
Explore the path from surgical wound dehiscence to diabetic ulcers, highlighting critical issues such as infection, chronic inflammation, and biofilm formation. Gain insights into the warning signs of surgical wound infections and the importance of diligent wound monitoring and management. This episode emphasizes the significance of preventive measures like offloading, vascular assessments, and maintaining optimal hemoglobin A1C levels before surgery to mitigate complications.
Dr. G also shares practical tips for post-operative care, including rigorous follow-ups with podiatrists, proper nutrition, and the necessity for pre-surgical optimization. This episode underscores the proactive nature of wound care in preventing severe outcomes, reinforcing the mantra that prevention is better than cure.

Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
Big news! 👟✨ 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
In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, Dr. G unravels the complexities of pyoderma granulosum, an often misdiagnosed condition that mimics and complicates diabetic ulcers. With firsthand insights and a real case study, discover how this rare neutrophilic dermatosis differs from typical diabetic wounds and learn the crucial steps to recognizing and treating it. Join the journey through the layers of wound care to uncover why some wounds fail to heal, stressing the role of accurate diagnosis and the power of questioning standard procedures. Tune in to stay informed and take charge of wound care, armed with the knowledge to make every step count.

Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
Big news! 👟✨ 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
In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, Dr. G delves into the often-overlooked viral infections that complicate diabetic foot ulcers. While bacterial and fungal threats are well-known, viruses like herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, and human papillomavirus can severely impact wound healing and limb preservation. Dr. G explores various virology case studies to reveal how viral infections can delay cellular regeneration, interfere with angiogenesis, and increase inflammation. These invisible threats are particularly dangerous for immunocompromised patients, complicating wound care and treatment.
Listeners will discover key diagnostic approaches, including the importance of viral PCR swabs, biopsies, and the role of early antiviral therapy in managing these infections. Dr. G highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving infectious disease specialists, dermatologists, and podiatrists to enhance patient outcomes. The episode underscores the vital role of immunization, hygiene, and offloading compliance in preventing viral complications in diabetic wounds. Join us to learn how these silent saboteurs can be managed effectively and ensure every step counts in diabetic foot care.

Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Big news! 👟✨ 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 this engaging episode of the Diabetic Foot Files, hosted by Dr. G, a double board-certified podiatrist and wound care specialist. This episode offers an in-depth exploration of the often-overlooked yet vital world of clinical trials and their transformative impact on diabetic foot care.
Dive into discussions about innovative treatments, including game-changing dressings, bioengineered skin, and gene therapy, all making strides in healing diabetic ulcers. Discover the crucial role clinical trials play — from offering cutting-edge therapies not yet available to the public to providing extra care and compensation to participants. Learn about the diverse range of therapies being tested, such as placenta-based allografts and moisture-monitoring smart sensors.
Gain insights into the phases of clinical trials, the personal experiences of Dr. G with successes and setbacks, and the empowerment patients feel by contributing to advancements in medical science.

Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Big news! 👟✨ 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
In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, Dr. G delves into the hidden world of diabetic foot care, focusing on the often overlooked bacterium, Enterococcus facilis. Discover how this seemingly innocuous microbe, typically residing in the gut, becomes a formidable enemy when it infiltrates wound beds, leading to delayed healing and persistent infections.
Dr. G unveils the characteristics that make Enterococcus facilis so adaptable and resistant, including its ability to survive under harsh conditions and its resistance to antibiotics. The episode highlights the importance of deep tissue cultures in detecting this bacterium and offers insights into effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Through meticulous exploration, learn about the critical role of proper hygiene, correct wound dressing techniques, and the necessity of managing blood sugar levels to battle this stubborn bacteria. Tune in to arm yourself with knowledge and strategies to protect diabetic limbs from this hidden threat.








