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 a ...
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Diabetic Foot Files Podcasts
1
Please Grow for Me: The Photosynthesis of Diabetic Wound Healing
18:36
18:36
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18:36Dr. 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, topica…
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Feed Me, Seymour: The Metabolic Appetite of Diabetic Wounds
18:01
18:01
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18:01Dr. G explores how wound healing is an active metabolic process — what wounds need (calories, protein, oxygen, vitamins and minerals), how hyperglycemia and malnutrition stall repair, and a case where nutritional repletion spurred granulation within 14 days. The episode emphasizes checking nutrition labs, optimizing protein and micronutrients, cont…
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Diabetic Foot Abscesses: When Pus Hides Beneath the Skin
16:01
16:01
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16:01This episode of Diabetic Foot Files explains how abscesses form in diabetic feet, why they can develop quickly and silently, and the importance of identifying fluctuance, pain, odor, and signs of deeper infection. We cover pathophysiology, common pus types (including MRSA), recommended imaging, incision and drainage principles, antibiotic choices, …
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1
The Vampire's Cure: Why Bleeding Can Mean Healing
17:14
17:14
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17:14In this Halloween edition of Diabetic Foot Files, Dr. G blends vampire lore with wound-care science to show how blood can signal healing—not horror. The episode covers the history linking myths to medicine, the stages of hemostasis, and why controlled bleeding during debridement often means viable tissue and good perfusion. Practical tips include d…
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1
Don't Stop Early: Why Finishing Antibiotics Saves Feet
12:59
12:59
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12:59Dr. Gabrielle Hutcheson -Donaldson explains why completing prescribed antibiotic courses is critical for diabetic foot infections: early symptom relief doesn’t mean the infection is gone, and stopping treatment can lead to resistant bacteria, osteomyelitis, sepsis, or even amputation. The episode also covers when to take antibiotics with or without…
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1
Speak Wound Fluently: Foundations of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Terminology
20:55
20:55
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20:55Dr. G returns to the foundation of diabetic limb salvage, explaining essential ulcer terminology—erosion, partial/full-thickness ulcers, tunneling, undermining, exudate types, wound bed tissue, biofilm, and signs of infection—and how to measure and document them. Clear, accurate wound language improves diagnosis, care coordination, coding, and outc…
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1
Vascular Insights with Dr. Giulia Baldazzi MD, vascular surgery fellow and PhD candidate from Italy 🇮🇹: Healing begins with circulation
33:34
33:34
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33:34Dr. Giulia Baldazzi, a vascular surgeon, fellow and phd candidate researcher, shares her journey from UCSF to Italy and explores advances in perfusion assessment, revascularization, and limb preservation for diabetic foot care. She discusses diagnostic innovations (PAT, MaxCORE, NIRS), the importance of early vascular referral and multidisciplinary…
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1
Tiny Ring, Big Risk: Porokeratosis on the Diabetic Foot
20:26
20:26
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20:26Dr. G explains porokeratosis — a ring-like skin disorder that can masquerade as a callus or wart and cause pain, ulceration, and even malignant change on diabetic feet. The episode covers what porokeratosis looks like, why people with diabetes are at higher risk of complications, and when to biopsy. Practical advice includes daily foot checks, avoi…
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1
Forgotten Feet: Diabetes Behind Bars/The Incarcerated
13:07
13:07
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13:07Dr. G (Woon Picasso) exposes the hidden crisis of diabetic foot disease in prisons: its prevalence, the resource and policy barriers that lead to missed checks and preventable amputations, and the moral and legal imperative to provide care. The episode outlines practical, low-cost prevention and treatment steps—intake screening, annual and monthly …
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1
Silver Nitrate: The Secret Weapon Against Hypergranulation
12:17
12:17
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12:17Dr. G explains how silver nitrate works as a quick, low-cost chemical cautery for treating hypergranulation ("proud flesh") in diabetic and other chronic wounds, outlining the mechanism, application steps, and the expected gray discoloration. He summarizes benefits—rapid control of excess granulation, antimicrobial action, and minor hemostasis—alon…
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1
How the 2025 Nobel Prize on T‑Regs Could Transform Diabetic Foot Care
13:03
13:03
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13:03By Diabetic Foot Files
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1
Shiny Red Leg? Understanding Erysipelas in Diabetes
24:11
24:11
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24:11Dr. G explains erysipelas — the classic shiny, well-demarcated red leg — covering its causes (mainly streptococcal), distinguishing it from cellulitis and other mimics, initial investigations, and outpatient vs inpatient treatment strategies. Special considerations for people with diabetes (imaging, admission thresholds, and limb salvage), preventi…
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1
To Kling or To Kerlex, that is the question- Mastering Gauze Rolls in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Care
16:21
16:21
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16:21Dr. G explains the key differences between Kling (conforming) and Kerlex (bulky padding), when to use each, and how wrapping technique and tension can affect perfusion and healing in diabetic feet. Includes practical application steps, pressure checks to avoid ischemia, tips for moisture and allergy management, and clinical pearls for better wound …
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Sparks of Healing: How Piezoelectricity Could Transform Diabetic Foot Care
11:53
11:53
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11:53This episode explains the piezoelectric effect—how mechanical stress creates tiny electrical signals—and how those signals guide cell migration, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and epithelialization in wound healing. It describes how diabetes weakens natural bioelectrical cues through neuropathy, poor circulation, and collagen changes, and revie…
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1
IV or Oral? Choosing the Right Antibiotic for Diabetic Foot Infections
24:32
24:32
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24:32Dr. G explains when to use IV versus oral antibiotics for diabetic foot infections, covering severity-based choices, common empirical regimens, and why wound cultures matter. The episode reviews pharmacokinetics, expected timelines for improvement (48–72 hours), typical durations for soft-tissue infection and osteomyelitis, and criteria to step dow…
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1
Understanding Drop Foot: A Hidden Diabetic Danger
26:02
26:02
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26:02Dr. G explains drop foot — the inability to lift the front of the foot — and why people with diabetes are at special risk due to neuropathy, compression, and poor circulation. This episode covers how to recognize drop foot, key diagnostic steps (EMG, imaging, vascular testing), urgent red flags, and a step-by-step treatment plan including AFOs, FES…
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Global PAD Association with Emmy Award winning journalist, entrepreneur and advocate Kym McNicholas -Saving Limbs, Saving Lives: Inside the Fight Against PAD with Kim Nicholas
53:20
53:20
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53:20Dr. G interviews Emmy winning journalist Kym Nicholas, CEO and co‑founder of the Global PAD Association, about peripheral arterial disease (PAD), its strong link to diabetes, common misdiagnoses, and why early vascular evaluation can prevent unnecessary amputations. They discuss patient stories, systemic gaps in care, lifestyle interventions like s…
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1
Second Chances: Repurposed Drugs Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers
14:53
14:53
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14:53In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, Dr. G explores how existing medications — from metformin and insulin to statins, fentanyl, sildenafil, doxycycline and nitric oxide donors — are being repurposed to help heal stubborn diabetic foot ulcers. We review the biology behind each drug, early clinical evidence, and why topical formulations may offer …
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1
Semaglutide Steps In: New Hope for PAD Patients
11:26
11:26
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11:26This episode explores new randomized evidence that semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for diabetes and weight loss, can improve walking distance and quality of life for people with type 2 diabetes and symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The landmark STRID trial showed median gains of about 26 meters (mean ~40 m) in walking distan…
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1
The Dangerous Duo: PAD and Kidney Disease in Diabetes
13:49
13:49
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13:49In this episode of Diabetic Food Files we explain how peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) interact in people with diabetes to worsen circulation, slow wound healing, and raise the risk of infection and limb loss. We outline the key symptoms to watch for, recommended screening tests (ABI/toe–brachial index, urine album…
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From Hippocrates to Gene Therapy: The Journey of Diabetic Peripheral Arterial Disease
14:54
14:54
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14:54This episode of Diabetic Foot Files explores peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in people with diabetes — its history, how diabetes accelerates arterial damage, the biology behind impaired wound healing, and clinical clues to distinguish ischemic from neuropathic ulcers. We cover bedside tests (ABI, TBI, TcPO2), modern revascularization options, med…
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How Nicotine Silences Healing: The Diabetic Foot Risk
25:07
25:07
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25:07Dr. G explains how nicotine — from cigarettes, vapes, pouches, and nicotine replacement products — reduces blood flow, disrupts immune and cellular repair, and slows or worsens healing in diabetic foot wounds. He summarizes the science, lists nicotine-containing products, and gives practical, evidence-based guidance for clinicians and patients on s…
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Pinky Toe Peril: Why Fifth Metatarsal Ulcers Threaten Limbs
16:18
16:18
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16:18A focused look at fifth metatarsal ulcers in diabetic patients — why they form, how the peroneus brevis and lateral biomechanics drive injury, and the clinical strategies to heal and prevent recurrence.By Diabetic Foot Files
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Mockingbird Sclerosis: The Silent Vascular Threat in Diabetic Feet
12:12
12:12
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12:12This episode explains Monckeberg ("Mockingbird") sclerosis—a medial arterial calcification common in diabetes and chronic kidney disease—how it stiffens arteries without narrowing the lumen, and why it can make ABI results falsely reassuring. Learn how to spot the classic railroad-track calcifications on x-ray, which vascular tests to use instead (…
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1
Diabetic Foot Wound Culture- Amputation Isn’t Inevitable: Changing Diabetic Foot Care Culture
19:55
19:55
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19:55This episode explores how the current culture around diabetic foot ulcers drives unnecessary amputations and presents a practical, evidence-based roadmap to change it. Dr. G outlines the data supporting multidisciplinary care, step-by-step clinical checklists for rapid triage and management, system-level referral pathways, and patient engagement st…
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1
Tiny Messengers, Big Hope: Can Exosomes Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
15:24
15:24
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15:24Dr. G explores exosomes—small, cell‑derived vesicles—and how they may accelerate diabetic foot ulcer healing by modulating inflammation, promoting angiogenesis, boosting cell proliferation, and improving matrix remodeling. Strong and consistent animal data show faster closure and better vascularity, and early human trials are beginning. Yet importa…
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Numbing the Pain: Essential Foot Blocks for Diabetic Debridement & Amputation
15:47
15:47
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15:47Episode walkthrough of local anesthesia for diabetic foot procedures: why blocks are essential even in neuropathic patients, how infection changes pain perception, and the physiology and practical reasons to use anesthesia. Concise techniques and tips for ankle, digital, posterior tibial, saphenous, sural, superficial and deep peroneal blocks, reco…
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1
When Dressings Attack: Allergic Reactions in Diabetic Foot Care
11:43
11:43
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11:43This episode explains how dressings can cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis in diabetic foot ulcers, how to tell the difference from infection, and the red flags to watch for. Dr. G covers immediate management (remove the culprit, gentle cleansing, topical steroids, antihistamines), safer dressing alternatives (silicone-based, non-adhesiv…
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Why Your Everyday Painkiller Might Stall Diabetic Wound Healing
10:15
10:15
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10:15Dr. G explains how common NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, etc.) can interfere with the wound-healing process in people with diabetes by blocking prostaglandins, delaying fibroblast recruitment, reducing angiogenesis and collagen deposition, and increasing TNF-alpha—leading to stalled ulcers and higher infection risk. The episode reviews saf…
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1
Diabetic FootFiles Wound Draft 2025: Building the Ultimate Limb Salvage Team
9:46
9:46
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9:46Dr. G hosts the First Annual Diabetic FootFiles Wound Draft, using an NFL-draft theme to rank the essential members and therapies of a winning wound care team — from podiatrists and vascular surgeons to nurses, offloading devices, hyperbaric oxygen, and biologics. The episode stresses coordinated multidisciplinary care, patient compliance, and avoi…
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Healing is in Your DNA- I Don't Force Skin to Grow — We Remove What Stops It
15:36
15:36
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15:36Dr. G explains that the body already knows how to heal skin — wound care specialists don’t force growth, they remove barriers like dead tissue, biofilm, poor circulation, pressure, and systemic issues so natural healing can proceed. The episode covers key treatments (debridement, infection control, vascular intervention, offloading, and nutrition) …
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1
Ozone Therapy: A Breath of Hope for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
8:21
8:21
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8:21Dr. Gexplores ozone therapy as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, explaining what ozone is, how it’s applied (bagging, ozonated water and oils, systemic methods), and the mechanisms that may aid healing—antimicrobial action, improved oxygenation, biofilm disruption, growth factor stimulation, and better microcirculation. The episode …
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To Pop or NOT TO POP- Blisters Aren't Equal: Why Every Blister Matters in Diabetes
20:53
20:53
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20:53Dr. G breaks down why "a blister is not just a blister"—covering friction, burn, blood, infectious, fracture, autoimmune, and diabetic blisters. Learn how each type forms, real patient cases, when to leave blisters intact, when to refer, and key prevention tips for people with diabetes.By Diabetic Foot Files
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Liquid Gold: How Your Plasma Can Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers
15:27
15:27
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15:27In this episode Dr. G (Wound Picasso) explains autologous plasma therapy for diabetic foot ulcers — what plasma is, how PRP and PPP are prepared and applied, and the biology behind growth factors, fibrin scaffolds, and angiogenesis. He reviews clinical outcomes, practical application steps, benefits and limitations, and how plasma fits into a compr…
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Dr. G explores how ancient remedies, rituals, and the power of words intersect with modern diabetic wound care — from medical-grade honey and garlic’s properties to negative-pressure therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, growth factors and phage therapy. This episode explains why positivity and strong doctor–patient communication matter, debunks dangerous my…
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Phage Power: A New Hope for Antibiotic‑Resistant Foot Wounds
11:56
11:56
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11:56Dr. G explores bacteriophage (phage) therapy as an experimental treatment for infected diabetic foot ulcers, explaining how phages work, their history, and why they might succeed where antibiotics fail. The episode covers case reports, application methods, benefits like biofilm penetration and precision targeting, challenges including regulatory hu…
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Minocycline: A Tetracycline With a Twist — Treating Mild Diabetic Foot Infections and Mood?
17:10
17:10
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17:10Dr. G explores minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic useful for mild skin and soft tissue diabetic foot infections, particularly when MRSA is a concern. Key points include dosing (100 mg PO q12h), limited streptococcal and anaerobic coverage, contraindications (pregnancy, children, severe liver disease), common and serious side effects (dizziness,…
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Pack, Protect, Enjoy: Traveling with a Diabetic Foot Ulcer
13:07
13:07
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13:07Dr. G explains how to travel safely with a diabetic foot ulcer: why travel increases risk, what to pack, and how to dress and protect your wound on the road. He covers pre-trip medical clearance, essential supplies (extra dressings, saline, gloves, offloading devices), footwear and climate adjustments, travel-friendly antimicrobials, things to avoi…
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"Mastering Bactrim: What Every Clinician Should Know About Diabetic Foot Ulcers"
12:56
12:56
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12:56Welcome back to Diabetic Foot Files, your clinical guide to wound care with a touch of nerdy insight. In this episode, we delve into the antibiotic Bactrim – known generically as Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole – and its critical role in managing diabetic foot care. Often prescribed for common infections like UTIs, Bactrim's unique combination of two…
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Dakin's Solution: From World War I to Modern Wound Clinics
11:43
11:43
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11:43Welcome to another insightful episode of Diabetic Foot Files with Dr. G, where we delve deep into a historical yet potent wound care solution that has withstood the test of time. In this episode, we explore Dakin's Solution, a mild bleach-based antiseptic that originated during World War I. Discover its mechanism of action, applicability, and the p…
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The Illusion of Healing: Understanding Pseudogranulation in Diabetic Foot Care
8:55
8:55
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8:55In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, we delve into the intriguing and deceptive world of pseudogranulation tissue. Often mistaken for signs of healing, pseudogranulation can actually delay closure, signal chronic inflammation, and hide infections in wounds. Join us as we explore the reasons behind its formation, how to distinguish it from health…
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"WH= [T+C+O+G+N]-[I+B+P]. Decoding the Mathematical Formula for Wound Healing"
18:35
18:35
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18:35Welcome to another episode of Diabetic Foot Files with Dr. G, where we delve into the intricate world of wound healing by applying a mathematical lens. This episode explores the possibility of a wound healing equation that amalgamates art, science, and numbers. Dr. G breaks down the critical variables such as tissue viability, circulation, oxidizat…
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"From Chiron to Athena: Mythical Inspirations for Healing Diabetic Wounds"
13:33
13:33
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13:33Welcome to another intriguing episode of Diabetic Soft Files, where we blend the ancient allure of Greek mythology with the practical aspects of diabetic foot care. Join us as we explore the mythical figures like Chiron, the wise centaur healer who symbolizes the empathy needed for chronic pain management, and Eclipius, whose legendary ability to r…
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Unveiling the Hidden Link: Antidepressants in Diabetic Wound Care
10:09
10:09
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10:09Welcome to another insightful episode of Diabetic Foot Files, where Dr. T explores the unconventional yet intriguing connection between antidepressants and wound healing. Delving into the science behind the interaction, this episode uncovers how mental health can significantly influence the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers. Dr. T examines th…
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“ Forced to Amputate” Amputation: Choice or Coercion?
14:54
14:54
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14:54In this episode of 'Diabetic Foot Files', Dr. Chi delves into the emotional and literal challenges faced by patients dealing with diabetic wounds. Exploring the psychological impacts of amputation, Dr. Chi sheds light on the feelings of coercion that some patients experience, emphasizing the importance of informed consent. Through personal stories …
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Foreign Bodies -Unseen Threats: Navigating Foreign Bodies in Diabetic Feet
20:22
20:22
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20:22In this engaging episode of "Diabetic Foot Files," Dr. G, also known as Moon Picasso, unveils the often-overlooked dangers that foreign bodies pose to diabetic patients. From tiny slivers of glass to hidden sewing needles, these minor invaders can lead to major complications when neuropathy hides the initial injury from patients. Dr. G explores the…
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Are You Going To Stay The Night - From Fear to Empowerment: Navigating Diabetic Foot Admissions with Confidence
18:47
18:47
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18:47In this insightful episode, Dr. G demystifies the process of hospital admissions for diabetic foot complications. Many patients experience anxiety and fear at the thought of being admitted, believing that it signifies a severe progression of their condition. Dr. G explains that hospital admission is actually a step towards protection, allowing for …
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Navigating the Risks of Fish Pedicures: A Cautionary Tale
13:23
13:23
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13:23In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, Dr. Gabrielle Hutchinson-Donaldson uncovers the hidden risks behind the viral beauty trend of fish pedicures, emphasizing the importance of caution for diabetic patients. Get insights into real-life cases that reveal the potential dangers, including severe infections and amputations, and understand why preven…
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Staphylococcus Auricularis: The Overlooked Microbe in Wound Healing
10:34
10:34
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10:34In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, hosted by Dr. Gabrielle Hutchinson-Donaldson, we delve into the intriguing world of Staphylococcus auricularis. Often dismissed as a contaminant, this lesser-known bacterium can play a significant role in diabetic foot ulcers, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Discover its surprising origins, diagno…
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"When Rivers Run Dry: Tackling Peripheral Arterial Disease and Diabetes"
14:51
14:51
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14:51Welcome to this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, where we delve into the often overlooked but critical issue of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in diabetes. Join us as we explore the significant impact of blood circulation on healing and how the prevalence of PAD is predicted to rise globally. Discover why diabetes and PAD frequently coexist, posi…
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