What it is
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore on the foot that can develop in people with diabetes. Changes in sensation, circulation and skin health can make it harder to notice an injury and harder for the area to heal. Because of this, any new sore on the foot is worth showing to a licensed professional promptly.
An amniotic graft is a thin tissue covering made from the amniotic membrane, part of the sac that surrounds a baby during pregnancy. The tissue is donated, processed and sometimes dried or preserved before it is placed over a wound. Using amniotic membrane as a wound covering is an established use, and some wound care providers use these products as one part of a larger care plan.
It helps to separate this from injectable amniotic, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly or exosome products marketed for joints, pain or 'regeneration.' Those uses are generally not FDA-approved, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products. Most processed amniotic products also contain no living stem cells, so they should not be described as stem-cell treatments.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Diabetic foot ulcers have long been managed by teams that may include podiatrists, wound care specialists, primary care doctors and others. Care has traditionally centered on a careful exam, keeping the wound clean, and protecting the area from pressure and further injury.
Providers have also looked at the bigger picture, such as blood flow to the foot, signs of infection, footwear and how diabetes is being managed overall. Dressings, removal of unhealthy tissue, and offloading devices that take pressure off the sore are among the approaches commonly discussed.
Skin substitutes and tissue-based coverings, including some amniotic membrane products, have been added to the options some clinics consider when a wound is slow to heal. Whether any of these is appropriate is a decision for a licensed clinician after an evaluation, and different providers may approach it differently.
How the right doctor may help
The right provider, such as a podiatrist or a wound care doctor, may help by examining your foot, looking at the ulcer and talking through your health history. A first visit often includes questions about how long the sore has been there, what you have tried, and how your diabetes is being managed. They may also explain what they see and what the next steps could be.
If an amniotic graft comes up, you can ask whether it is a good fit for your situation at all. Good questions include: What is the product's FDA status? Where does the tissue come from? What are the risks? What are the alternatives? What is the total cost, and has insurance been checked before treatment?
It may also help to ask how healing will be watched over time and what signs should prompt you to call the office. A provider may help you understand your options, but no provider can promise a particular result. Bringing a list of medications and a family member or friend to appointments can make the conversation easier.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other, and living with a long-term condition plus a slow-healing wound can be tiring and worrying. Stress, poor sleep and low mood can make daily routines harder, and those routines matter when you are caring for your feet. Looking at the whole person, not just the sore, is a gentle way to think about care.
Some people find that body-based support such as Somatic Experiences helps them feel more at ease in their bodies during a stressful health stretch. Others find talk therapy through Therapists.plus useful for worry, frustration or adjusting to life with diabetes. These are supportive options to discuss with your care team, not replacements for medical wound care.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Licensed professionals should guide care for diabetic foot ulcers, because these wounds can worsen quickly and need timely, in-person evaluation.
- Redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, odor, fever or a darkening of the skin can signal a serious problem; contact a licensed provider right away, and call 911 in an emergency.
- Amniotic membrane as a wound covering is an established use, but injectable amniotic, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly and exosome products for joints, pain or regeneration are generally not FDA-approved for those uses.
- If you feel overwhelmed or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
For your safety, sensitive situations are best guided by licensed professionals.
Doctors who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
What are amniotic grafts for diabetic foot ulcers?
Amniotic grafts are thin tissue coverings made from donated amniotic membrane that a wound care provider may place over a wound. Using amniotic membrane as a wound covering is an established use. Whether one is right for you is a decision for a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
Do amniotic grafts heal diabetic foot ulcers?
No one can promise that a graft will heal a wound. Some providers use them as one part of a broader plan that also looks at pressure, circulation, infection and blood sugar management. Ask your provider what to realistically expect in your situation.
Are amniotic products FDA-approved?
It depends on the product and the use, so ask your provider about the specific product's FDA status. Amniotic membrane as a wound covering is the established use, while injectable amniotic or umbilical cord products for joints, pain or regeneration are generally not FDA-approved for those uses. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products.
Should I see a podiatrist or a wound care doctor for a diabetic foot ulcer?
Either may help, and many people see both as part of a care team. A podiatrist focuses on foot health, while a wound care provider focuses on wounds that are slow to heal. Your primary care doctor can also help point you to the right licensed provider.
Are amniotic grafts stem-cell treatments?
No, they should not be described that way. Most amniotic products contain no living stem cells after processing, and they are not known to regrow tissue. Ask your provider exactly what is in a product and where the tissue comes from.
What should I ask before getting an amniotic graft?
Ask about the product's FDA status, its tissue source, the risks, the alternatives and the total cost. Also check with your insurance before treatment so there are no surprises. Your provider should be willing to explain each answer in plain language.
Educational resource. Amniotic Doctors shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.