Diabetic Foot Files

The Business of Amputations -Follow the Money: Why Hospitals Profit from Amputations

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.

When Can I Get My Foot Wet? Wounds, Pools & Hot Tubs Explained

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.

Dating While Healing: Confidence, Intimacy with an active diabetic foot ulcer or post amputation

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.

When Pets Meet Diabetic Wounds: Hidden Risks You Need to Know

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.

Vinegar to the Rescue: Acetic Acid Protocols for Stubborn Wound Infections

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.

Elective Surgery & Diabetes: What Your Surgeon Isn't Telling You

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.

Blame the Patient: Why It’s Not Your Fault- And Why Doctor Must Do Better

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.

Surgical Site Infections - Incision to Infection: The Truth About Diabetic Foot SSIs and How to Stop Them

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.

Holiday Heel: How Calcaneal Fractures Break Your Season

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.

Thanksgiving Survival Guide for Diabetic Feet: Eat, Protect, Prevent

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.