What it is
An amniotic graft is a thin sheet of tissue taken from the amniotic membrane, the inner lining of the placenta, which is donated after childbirth. It is cleaned, processed and preserved before use. It is placed on a wound as a covering, sometimes called a skin substitute or biologic dressing.
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore on the foot of a person with diabetes. Changes in nerve function and circulation can make these sores hard to notice and slow to heal, so they deserve prompt professional attention.
Amniotic membrane as a wound covering is an established use. Products differ in how they are made and how they are regulated, and most processed grafts contain no living stem cells. Whether a particular product is right for a particular wound is a decision for a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Diabetic foot ulcers have traditionally been managed with a combination of approaches. These often include cleaning and removing unhealthy tissue, protective dressings, and taking pressure off the area with special footwear or devices.
Providers also commonly look at blood sugar management, blood flow to the foot, signs of infection, and overall health, because all of these can influence how a wound behaves.
Skin substitutes and biologic coverings, including amniotic grafts, are one category some wound care teams consider when a wound is not progressing with standard care. Approaches and opinions vary, and no single option suits everyone.
How the right doctor may help
A wound care specialist or podiatrist may start by examining the foot, reviewing your health history, and checking circulation, sensation and any signs of infection. They may measure and photograph the wound so changes can be tracked over time.
If a graft is discussed, a good provider can explain why they are or are not suggesting it, what the visit process may involve, and what other options exist. They can also tell you what is expected of you between visits, such as keeping weight off the foot.
Questions worth asking: Is this product FDA-cleared, approved or marketed under another pathway? What is the tissue source? What are the risks? What alternatives exist? What is the total cost, and has my insurance confirmed coverage before treatment? No outcome can be promised.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Living with a chronic wound can bring worry, fatigue and disrupted routines, and stress can in turn make daily self-care, sleep and healthy habits harder to maintain.
Some people find body-based support such as Somatic Experiences helpful for the stress that comes with long-term health challenges, and others value talk therapy through Therapists.plus. These are complements to, not replacements for, medical wound care.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Diabetic foot ulcers can become serious quickly; licensed professionals should guide all care, and you should not delay seeing a provider.
- For signs of spreading infection, such as fever, spreading redness, swelling, foul drainage or black tissue, seek urgent care; for emergencies call 911.
- Amniotic membrane used as a wound covering is established, but injectable amniotic or umbilical products for other uses are generally not FDA-approved for those uses, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products.
- If you are feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, call or text 988.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What is an amniotic graft for diabetic foot ulcer?
It is a thin wound covering made from donated amniotic membrane that a clinician may place on a diabetic foot ulcer. It is considered a type of skin substitute or biologic dressing. A licensed provider decides after an evaluation whether it is appropriate.
Is an amniotic graft FDA-approved for diabetic foot ulcers?
It depends on the specific product, because different grafts are regulated in different ways. Some are marketed under tissue rules rather than approved as drugs or devices for this use. Ask your provider about the product's exact FDA status.
Does an amniotic graft contain stem cells?
Most processed amniotic grafts contain no living stem cells after preservation. They should not be described as stem-cell treatments. Ask your provider what the product contains and where the tissue comes from.
Will an amniotic graft heal my diabetic foot ulcer?
No one can promise that. Healing depends on many factors, including blood flow, infection, pressure on the foot and overall health. A graft is only one possible part of a broader plan from your care team.
How much does an amniotic graft for a diabetic foot ulcer cost?
Costs vary and cannot be given here. Ask the provider for the total expected cost and check with your insurance about coverage before treatment begins.
Who treats diabetic foot ulcers?
Wound care specialists and podiatrists commonly treat them, often alongside a primary care doctor or endocrinologist. You can find licensed providers through Providers.plus.
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.