Diabetic Foot Files

Diabetic Foot Files
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED DAILY

Big news! 👟✨  We’ve teamed up with DARCO to bring you 25% off the POGO shoe! Want to stay active, reduce pressure, and help prevent ulcers before they begin? 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 and the LIMBWatch series — where diabetic foot surveillance, wound intelligence, prevention science, and limb preservation come together. I’m Dr. G / Dr. WoundPicasso aka Dr. Gabrielle Hutcheson Donaldson, podiatrist and wound care specialist, and I’m here to educate, empower, and guide you through the evolving world of diabetic foot care. From wound healing and pressure injuries to surveillance systems and amputation prevention, we break down the science, challenge the myths, and share strategies that help save limbs and improve lives. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, clinician, or healthcare professional, this is your destination for diabetic foot education, prevention, and preservation. So let’s dive in — because when you take care of your feet, they take care of you. LIMBWatch: Surveillance Before Salvage.

  1. 1D AGO

    When a Skin Flap Fails: Spot the Early Signs Before It’s Too Late

    This episode explains how and why skin flaps die, focusing on the early warning signs, differences between arterial insufficiency and venous congestion, and the underlying microvascular physiology. It covers common causes of flap failure—tension, hematoma, infection, diabetes-related microangiopathy, and poor offloading—how to assess a threatened flap (color, capillary refill, temperature, Doppler), and the step-by-step rescue measures clinicians use to improve perfusion. Listen for practical timelines for salvage, prevention strategies before surgery (vascular testing, optimization, smoking cessation, nutrition), and the importance of rapid action and frequent monitoring to maximize flap survival and protect the limb.

    22 min

  2. 4D AGO

    S.A.V.E T.H.E. F.A.S.C.I.A: Rapid Recognition Protocol for Necrotizing Fasciitis

    In this episode we introduce "Save the Fascia," a clear, stepwise mnemonic to help clinicians recognize necrotizing fasciitis early and act urgently. It outlines warning signs, diagnostic steps, and the rapid escalation needed for a time-sensitive surgical emergency. The episode emphasizes tracking progression, immediate wound management, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and early surgical consultation to improve limb salvage and survival.

    40 min

  3. 5D AGO

    Medically Stable? The Dangerous Misuse in Diabetic Foot Discharges

    Dr. G examines how the phrase "medically stable for discharge" is often misapplied to diabetic foot patients, sometimes with dangerous consequences. He explains why diabetic foot infections can be deceptively quiet, reviews warning signs like gas in tissue and abscesses, and outlines when discharge is and isn’t appropriate. The episode stresses the need for specialist input, proper imaging, source control, clear outpatient plans, and patient advocacy to prevent missed limb‑threatening emergencies and improve outcomes.

    23 min

  4. 6D AGO

    Breath Is Healing: Preventing Post-Op Complications with Incentive Spirometry

    Dr. G explains why the simple incentive spirometer is more than a bedside toy: it forces deep breaths, prevents atelectasis, improves oxygenation, and reduces post-operative pulmonary complications. The episode outlines the typical post-op timeline (0–24 hrs, 24–72 hrs, 3–5 days), how poor lung expansion harms wound healing—especially in diabetic foot patients—and how spirometry links breathing to overall recovery.

    13 min

  5. MAY 13

    Wound Intelligence Wednesday:Gustilo Classification & Contamination: Don’t Close a Dirty Wound

    In this episode of Diabetic Foot Files, Dr. G explores why seemingly small or clean-looking wounds—especially in diabetic patients—can hide severe underlying damage from retained plant matter and contamination. Learn how organic debris promotes infection, why imaging may miss wooden or thorn fragments, and the importance of exploration, serial debridement, and appropriate antibiotics. The episode reviews the Gustilo wound classification, practical management steps for different contamination levels, and imaging tips to avoid missing retained foreign bodies or necrotizing infections. Key takeaways: never primarily close contaminated wounds, antibiotics don’t replace debridement, and maintain high suspicion for gas-forming and rapidly progressive infections.

    26 min

  6. MAY 12

    Limb Watch Ep. 2 — Dr. Matthew G. Garoufalis, DPM, FASPS, DABPM, CWS, FFPM RCPS (Glasg) FRSM- Topical Oxygen- Game Changer in Limb Salvage

    In this episode of Diabetic Flip Files’ Limb Watch, host Dr. G interviews Dr. Matthew Garoufalis , a leader in podiatric medicine, wound care and limb salvage, about the evolution of wound care into limb salvage and the science behind topical (intermittent) oxygen therapy. He is the Chief Medical Officer at Advanced Oxygen Therapy Inc.  They discuss how oxygen affects infection control, angiogenesis, collagen synthesis and cellular metabolism; clinical evidence supporting topical oxygen for diabetic foot and other wounds; practical use as an adjunctive therapy; and how optimization of oxygen can preserve tissue and reduce amputations.

    53 min

  7. MAY 10

    Limb Watch Launch: Diabetic Limb Salvage with Dr. Haywan Chiu DPM, FACFAS

    In this episode Dr. G launches the Limb Watch movement and interviews Dr. Haywan Chiu, DPM, FACFAS. Board- certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery. As a leading expert in diabetic limb salvage, Dr. Chiu is dedicated to preventing lower extremity amputations through innovative surgical techniques and advanced wound care management. They discuss the philosophy of limb preservation, clinical signs that predict limb loss, and when to operate or involve vascular surgery. Dr. Chiu shares advanced techniques (flaps, tendon balancing, reconstructive options), the importance of source control, pitfalls of delayed referral, practical outpatient decisions, and prevention strategies to preserve mobility and quality of life.

    51 min

  8. MAY 9

    Zombie Cells in the Wound: How Senescent Fibroblasts Sabotage Diabetic Ulcers

    Dr. G examines how normal fibroblasts drive tissue repair and how, in diabetic foot ulcers, they can become senescent “zombie” cells that stop dividing, secrete inflammatory SASP factors, and degrade the wound environment. The episode covers triggers (hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, ischemia, infection), clinical signs and biomarkers of senescence, the vicious cycle with biofilm, and emerging approaches—including senolytics, targeted dressings, and debridement—to reduce senescent burden and improve healing.

    22 min
See All (100)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Big news! 👟✨  We’ve teamed up with DARCO to bring you 25% off the POGO shoe! Want to stay active, reduce pressure, and help prevent ulcers before they begin? 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 and the LIMBWatch series — where diabetic foot surveillance, wound intelligence, prevention science, and limb preservation come together. I’m Dr. G / Dr. WoundPicasso aka Dr. Gabrielle Hutcheson Donaldson, podiatrist and wound care specialist, and I’m here to educate, empower, and guide you through the evolving world of diabetic foot care. From wound healing and pressure injuries to surveillance systems and amputation prevention, we break down the science, challenge the myths, and share strategies that help save limbs and improve lives. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, clinician, or healthcare professional, this is your destination for diabetic foot education, prevention, and preservation. So let’s dive in — because when you take care of your feet, they take care of you. LIMBWatch: Surveillance Before Salvage.

Information

  • Creator
    Diabetic Foot Files
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Diabetic Foot Files