Foot Fat Grafting for Diabetics

STUDY BASICS

Do you have diabetes? Do you have pain at the bottom of your feet that makes standing or walking uncomfortable? A research study is trying to determine if fat grafting can help restore the natural padding on the bottom of your feet.

STUDY PURPOSE

The padding on the bottom of your feet can become worn down over time. This can result in pain when walking or standing. Researchers think that grafting fat from another part of the body into your feet may help restore that padding and reduce pain. Fat grafting is a common and minimally-invasive surgery.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• 18 or older
• Have well-controlled diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
• Have pain in your feet that makes standing or walking uncomfortable
• No recent foot surgeries or cancer treatments
• Do not have a blood clotting disorder

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participants will be assigned by chance (like the flip of a coin) into one of two groups. One group will have the fat grafting procedure in the first year and followed for two years. The other group will continue with their standard treatment from a podiatrist for a year before undergoing the fat grafting procedure, then followed for one year. All participants will receive the fat grafting procedure. The study will last between 24 and 36 months, with about 8 visits, including the surgical procedure for fat grafting.