Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment in Cuba: Heberprot-P® Guide for International Patients

## The Diabetic Foot Crisis

Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most serious complications of diabetes, affecting approximately **15% of diabetic patients** during their lifetime. Without proper treatment, they can lead to infection, gangrene, and amputation.

But Cuba has developed a groundbreaking medication that has revolutionized diabetic foot ulcer treatment: **Heberprot-P®**. At La Pradera International Health Center, our multidisciplinary [Diabetic Foot Clinic](/programs/diabeticFoot) offers comprehensive care including Heberprot-P® therapy, advanced wound care, and limb salvage programs.

## What Is Heberprot-P®?

Heberprot-P® is a Cuban medication containing **recombinant human epidermal growth factor (EGF)**, administered by intralesional injection directly into diabetic foot ulcers. Developed by the **Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB)** in Havana, it has been used to treat **hundreds of thousands of patients** worldwide.

### How Heberprot-P® Works

1. **EGF is injected directly into the wound** — the medication reaches the ulcer bed where it's needed most

2. **EGF stimulates cell growth** — it promotes the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts

3. **Granulation tissue forms** — the wound begins to fill with healthy new tissue

4. **Wound healing accelerates** — chronic, non-healing ulcers finally begin to close

5. **Amputation risk decreases** — by healing ulcers that would otherwise lead to gangrene

### Key Facts About Heberprot-P®

- Contains recombinant human epidermal growth factor (EGF)

- Administered by intralesional injection into the wound

- Accelerates granulation and wound healing

- Significantly reduces amputation rates

- Effective on chronic, non-healing ulcers

- Used in over 30 countries worldwide

## Who Is Eligible for Heberprot-P®?

Heberprot-P® is designed for patients with:

- **Chronic diabetic foot ulcers** that have not responded to conventional treatment

- **Diabetes diagnosis** (type 1 or type 2)

- **Ulcers of at least 1 cm²** in size

- **No active uncontrolled infection** (infections must be treated first)

- **Adequate blood supply** to the affected area (vascular assessment may be needed)

Our diabetic foot clinic team reviews each patient's medical records to determine eligibility. [Request a consultation](/consultation) to begin the review process.

## The Treatment Process at La Pradera

### Step 1: Medical Record Review

Before you travel, our team reviews:

- Diabetes history and current blood sugar control (HbA1c)

- Wound history — how long the ulcer has been present, prior treatments

- Vascular assessment results (ankle-brachial index, Doppler)

- Current medications

- Recent imaging if available

### Step 2: Travel to Cuba

Our international patient services team assists with:

- Medical treatment invitation letters for visa application

- Airport reception and ground transportation

- Accommodation for patient and family

- Multilingual coordinators including Arabic and Turkish speakers

- Halal-certified meals and dietary accommodations

### Step 3: Comprehensive Assessment

On arrival, our diabetic foot clinic conducts:

- **Wound assessment** — size, depth, infection status

- **Vascular screening** — ankle-brachial index, Doppler ultrasound

- **Neurological assessment** — testing for neuropathy

- **Wound culture** if infection is suspected

- **X-rays or MRI** if bone involvement is suspected

### Step 4: Heberprot-P® Treatment

The treatment phase typically lasts **14–28 days**, including:

- **Daily or alternate-day Heberprot-P® injections** directly into the wound

- **Advanced wound care** — laser therapy, ozone therapy, specialized dressings

- **Pressure offloading** — techniques to reduce pressure on the wound

- **Infection management** — targeted antibiotic therapy if needed

- **Regular wound monitoring** — photographic documentation of healing progress

### Step 5: Discharge and Follow-Up

Before returning home, you'll receive:

- A comprehensive discharge summary for your home physician

- Post-treatment wound care instructions

- Recommendations for continued care and follow-up

## Advanced Wound Care Therapies

In addition to Heberprot-P®, our diabetic foot clinic offers:

- **Laser therapy** for wound healing

- **Ozone therapy** for infection control

- **Electrotherapy** to stimulate tissue repair

- **Advanced wound dressings** — specialized products for optimal healing

- **Surgical debridement** when needed

- **Vascular support therapies** to improve circulation

## Limb Salvage Program

Our [limb salvage program](/programs/diabeticFoot) is designed to **prevent amputation whenever possible**. Through a combination of:

- Advanced wound care with Heberprot-P®

- Vascular support and circulation improvement

- Surgical intervention when necessary (revascularization)

- Multidisciplinary team approach (endocrinology, vascular surgery, infectious disease, podiatry)

- Post-treatment rehabilitation and podiatry

We help patients preserve their limbs and maintain mobility.

## Cost of Diabetic Foot Treatment in Cuba

Cuban diabetic foot treatment with Heberprot-P® is significantly more affordable than equivalent private treatment — typically **50–70% less** than US or European private care.

After your consultation, our coordinators provide a detailed cost estimate covering:

- The treatment program (Heberprot-P® injections, wound care)

- Accommodation for patient and family

- Support services (meals, transportation, coordination)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Heberprot-P® approved in my country?

Heberprot-P® is registered in over 30 countries. However, it may not be available in all countries. Treatment with Heberprot-P® is available in Cuba as part of our comprehensive diabetic foot care program.

### Can Heberprot-P® help if my ulcer hasn't healed for months?

Yes. Heberprot-P® is specifically designed for chronic, non-healing diabetic foot ulcers that have not responded to conventional treatment. It has shown significant success in accelerating healing in these difficult cases.

### Will I need to stay in the hospital during treatment?

Treatment is typically outpatient, with patients staying in comfortable accommodation near the clinic. The Heberprot-P® injections are administered during clinic visits, and wound care is monitored regularly.

### Can amputation be prevented?

In many cases, yes. Our limb salvage program uses Heberprot-P®, advanced wound care, vascular support, and surgical intervention when necessary to prevent amputation whenever possible. **Early intervention improves outcomes significantly.**

## How to Get Started

If you or a loved one is struggling with a diabetic foot ulcer, don't wait. Early intervention is critical to preventing complications. [Request a consultation](/consultation) today, or reach us via **WhatsApp** for immediate assistance.

## Related Resources

- [Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment in Cuba — Complete Guide](/conditions/diabeticFoot)

- [Diabetic Foot Program at La Pradera](/programs/diabeticFoot)

- [Medical Tourism in Cuba — Complete Guide](/blog/medical-tourism-cuba-complete-guide)

- [Our Medical Team](/physicians)

- [Patient Stories](/patient-stories)