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Educational Resource for US Families

Diabetic Foot Treatment in Cuba

An educational guide for families and caregivers exploring diabetic foot treatment options — Cuba's Heberprot-P intra-lesional therapy, comprehensive wound care, and limb-preservation program. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient individually and determines whether an international wound-care program may be appropriate. Information to support informed decisions, in consultation with your healthcare provider.

Heberprot-P therapy Limb preservation focusNot available in the US
38.4M
Americans with diabetes (2024)
15%
of diabetics develop foot ulcers
$409B
Annual US diabetes care cost
4–8 wks
Cuba program cycles (individualized)

Educational Resource — Not Medical Advice

The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about treatment options.

We do not target, identify, or retarget individuals based on health conditions. This content is intended for families and caregivers seeking information about international treatment options, and is discoverable through organic search.

Understanding Diabetic Foot Ulcers

What Is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15% of people with diabetes, most commonly on the bottom of the foot. Healing can be difficult due to poor circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and elevated blood sugar levels.

Causes

Neuropathy (nerve damage) reduces sensation, so injuries go unnoticed. Poor circulation impairs healing. High blood sugar damages blood vessels and immune function.

Risk Factors

Duration of diabetes, poor glycemic control, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, foot deformities, and improper footwear all increase ulcer risk.

Wagner Classification

Ulcers are classified by depth and severity (Grades 0–5), which guides treatment decisions. Higher grades require more intensive intervention.

Why Ulcers Don't Heal

Chronic inflammation, biofilm formation, inadequate offloading, poor blood supply, and uncontrolled blood sugar all contribute to non-healing wounds.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment Options for Diabetic Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcer treatment is multidisciplinary. Standard approaches include wound debridement, offloading, infection management, and revascularization. Cuba's program adds Heberprot-P intra-lesional therapy — an option not available in the United States.

Standard Wound Care

Debridement, moist wound healing, offloading (total contact casts or boots), and regular monitoring by a wound care specialist.

Infection Management

Antibiotic therapy for infected ulcers, with culture-directed treatment and surgical intervention when deep infection is present.

Revascularization

For ulcers caused by poor blood flow, vascular procedures (angioplasty or bypass) may restore circulation to support healing.

Heberprot-P Therapy

Cuba's intra-lesional recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF) therapy — administered directly into the wound. Not available in the United States.

Multidisciplinary Care

Endocrinologists, podiatrists, vascular surgeons, infectious disease specialists, and wound care nurses working together.

Amputation Prevention

The goal of every treatment program is to heal the ulcer and preserve the limb. Cuba's program focuses on limb salvage through intensive, coordinated care.

Cuba's Approach

The Cuban Diabetic Foot Program

Cuba has developed a comprehensive diabetic foot treatment program centered on Heberprot-P — a recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF) administered by intra-lesional injection directly into the wound. This therapy is combined with intensive, multidisciplinary wound care. Our team evaluates each patient individually and determines whether an international wound-care and limb-preservation program may be appropriate. Heberprot-P is not available in the United States.

  • Heberprot-P intra-lesional rh-EGF therapy — a Cuban biotechnology innovation
  • Intensive daily wound care by specialist teams
  • Multidisciplinary team: endocrinologists, podiatrists, vascular surgeons, wound care nurses
  • 4–8 week individualized program cycles with continuous monitoring
  • Limb preservation focus — our team evaluates each patient individually
  • Coordinated aftercare and handover to your US physician

Heberprot-P®

Cuban biotechnology

Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF) developed by Cuba's Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), administered by intra-lesional injection directly into diabetic foot wounds to stimulate healing.

4–8 Week Cycles

Multidisciplinary Team

Clinical Comparison

Heberprot-P vs. Standard Wound Care

An educational comparison of Cuba's Heberprot-P intra-lesional therapy and conventional standard-of-care wound management for diabetic foot ulcers. Figures are drawn from published clinical literature and are not a guarantee of individual outcomes.

Major Amputation Prevention

Heberprot-P

Up to ~70% reduction in major amputation risk reported in clinical studies

Standard Care

Standard wound debridement and offloading; higher amputation rates in advanced ulcers

Wound Healing Rate

Heberprot-P

Significantly higher complete healing rates in complex DFU cases

Standard Care

Variable; depends on ulcer grade, infection control, and patient compliance

Time to Healing

Heberprot-P

Faster granulation and closure in responding patients

Standard Care

Often prolonged; weeks to months for grade 3+ ulcers

Recurrence Risk

Heberprot-P

Lower recurrence when combined with comprehensive foot care program

Standard Care

Recurrence common without ongoing preventive care

Treatment Approach

Heberprot-P

Intra-lesional rhEGF + multidisciplinary diabetic foot management

Standard Care

Debridement, dressings, offloading, infection management, glycemic control

Availability in the US

Heberprot-P

Not FDA-approved; not available domestically

Standard Care

Widely available at US wound care centers

Educational comparison only. Statistics are drawn from published clinical studies and reflect population-level outcomes, not individual results. Treatment suitability depends on specialist evaluation of each patient's ulcer grade, overall health, and medical history. Heberprot-P is used as part of a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider.

Explore More

Diabetic Foot Care Resources

Explore our full range of educational diabetic foot care resources for US families and caregivers.

Your Journey to Cuba

From First Inquiry to Safe Return Home

01

Contact Us

Share your medical information and wound history through our inquiry form.

02

Free Evaluation

Our wound care team reviews your US records and designs a personalized plan.

03

Travel Coordination

We assist with e-Visa, flights, and accommodation in Cuba.

04

Treatment

Receive intensive wound care with Heberprot-P therapy and continuous support.

05

Aftercare

Coordinated handover to your US physician with a monitoring plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions Answered

Submit Your Medical Records for a Diabetic Foot Evaluation

Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient individually and determines whether an international wound-care and limb-preservation program may be appropriate. Share your medical records to receive a personalized assessment — often within 24–48 hours. No obligation, no travel required to get started.