Non-Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcer
When a diabetic foot ulcer hasn't healed despite weeks or months of standard care, families often seek a fresh evaluation. This guide explains why some ulcers don't heal and how Cuba's wound-care program approaches chronic wounds — including Heberprot-P therapy not available in the US. Information only, not medical advice.
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.
Why Some Ulcers Don't Heal
A diabetic foot ulcer is typically considered non-healing or chronic when it has not shown significant improvement after 4–6 weeks of standard care, or has not healed after 12 weeks. Multiple factors can contribute to delayed healing.
Poor Circulation
Peripheral arterial disease restricts blood flow to the wound, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients essential for healing. Without revascularization, even the best wound care may not succeed.
Biofilm Formation
Bacterial biofilms — communities of bacteria embedded in a protective matrix — form on chronic wounds and resist both antibiotics and the body's immune response, prolonging non-healing.
Inadequate Offloading
If pressure on the wound is not sufficiently reduced through casts, boots, or specialized footwear, healing is impaired. Many patients struggle with offloading adherence.
Uncontrolled Blood Sugar
Elevated blood glucose impairs immune function, damages blood vessels, and slows collagen production — all critical for wound healing.
Underlying Infection
Deep or bone infection (osteomyelitis) can persist despite surface healing, preventing complete wound closure.
Wagner Grade Severity
Higher-grade ulcers (Grade 3–5) involving deeper tissue, abscess, or gangrosis are inherently more difficult to heal and require more intensive intervention.
What a Fresh Evaluation Can Offer
When an ulcer hasn't healed with standard care, a comprehensive re-evaluation can identify barriers that were previously missed or have developed. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient individually and determines whether an international wound-care and limb-preservation program may be appropriate.
Vascular Assessment
Detailed arterial imaging to identify circulation problems that may be treatable through revascularization procedures.
Wound Culture & Infection Workup
Deep tissue cultures and imaging to detect hidden or bone infection that may be blocking healing.
Offloading Review
Assessment of whether current offloading is adequate, and recommendations for improved pressure relief.
Heberprot-P Therapy
Cuba's intra-lesional rh-EGF therapy, administered directly into chronic wounds to stimulate healing. Not available in the United States.
Multidisciplinary Review
Endocrinologists, vascular surgeons, podiatrists, and wound care specialists jointly review the case to identify all barriers to healing.
Individualized Program
If the evaluation suggests the patient may benefit, a personalized 4–8 week program is designed with intensive daily wound 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.