Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment Options
An educational guide for families and caregivers exploring diabetic foot ulcer treatment options — including Cuba's Heberprot-P intra-lesional therapy and comprehensive wound care program. Information to support informed decisions, in consultation with your healthcare provider.
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.
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 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.
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
Diabetic Foot Care by State
Select your state for local diabetes statistics, travel information, and state-specific educational resources for families and caregivers.
Diabetic Foot Care Resources
Explore our full range of educational diabetic foot care resources for US families and caregivers.
From First Inquiry to Safe Return Home
Contact Us
Share your medical information and wound history through our inquiry form.
Free Evaluation
Our wound care team reviews your US records and designs a personalized plan.
Travel Coordination
We assist with e-Visa, flights, and accommodation in Cuba.
Treatment
Receive intensive wound care with Heberprot-P therapy and continuous support.
Aftercare
Coordinated handover to your US physician with a monitoring plan.
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.