Diabetic Foot Treatment
Care, infection control and, where needed, surgery for foot ulcers caused by diabetes.
At New City Clinic, Diabetic Foot Treatment is performed in Istanbul by specialist physicians at partner hospitals licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Diabetic Foot Treatment in Istanbul: overview
Diabetic foot refers to ulcers, infections and deformities of the foot caused by the damage diabetes does to nerves and blood vessels. Treatment includes regular wound care and removal of dead tissue, special shoes or casts that take pressure off the wound, better blood sugar control and assessment of the circulation. Where needed, infected tissue is removed surgically or corrective operations reduce pressure points on the foot. Treatment is planned together with endocrinology, vascular surgery and infectious disease specialists.
| Anaesthesia | Regional anaesthesia (spinal or nerve block) |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 0.5–2 hours |
| Hospital stay | 1–7 nights |
| Stay in Türkiye | 7–21 days |
| Back to work | 14 days |
| Back to sport | 12 weeks |
| Final result | 6 months |
| Scar | Depends on where the wound is and on the procedure |
Who is it for?
Diabetic foot treatment is for people with diabetes who have a foot ulcer that is not healing, a foot infection, or a deformity that causes pressure sores. A wound that is getting worse, spreading redness or fever needs urgent care where you are; travel is planned only once the situation is safe.
Your orthopaedic surgeon
Op. Dr. Gökhan Tolga AkbulutOrthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon · Orthopaedics, Hand Surgery and MicrosurgeryView CV A team approach
Successful treatment depends on several specialties working together:
- Wound care and removal of dead tissue
- Offloading with special shoes, insoles or casts
- Blood sugar control with the endocrinologist
- Assessment of the circulation and, if needed, vascular treatment
- Surgery to remove infected bone or correct pressure points
Prevention after treatment
Daily foot checks, suitable shoes, good blood sugar control and regular podiatry help prevent new ulcers. You receive written instructions before going home, and follow-up continues remotely with photographs of the foot.
Your journey in Türkiye, step by step
- 01
Free preliminary assessment: a physician reviews your photos and medical history and you receive a written plan and quote.
- 02
Day 1 – arrival in Istanbul: you are met at the airport and taken to your hotel.
- 03
Examination day: physician's examination, blood tests and anaesthesia assessment; the plan is finalised.
- 04
Procedure day: the procedure takes about 0.5–2 hours under regional anaesthesia (spinal or nerve block). Hospital stay: 1–7 nights.
- 05
Check-up: dressing change and follow-up examination after discharge.
- 06
Return: total stay in Türkiye is 7–21 days; your physician clears you to fly. Follow-up continues remotely.
New City Clinic health tourism services
- Airport welcome and hospital–hotel transfers
- Accommodation at partner hotels close to the hospital
- Support in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Turkish
- Scheduling of examination, tests and surgery
- Post-operative check-ups and remote follow-up once you are home
- Dedicated complication insurance for operations
Recovery
Hospital stay: 1–7 nights. Desk work is usually possible within 14 days and sport after 12 weeks; the final result appears in about 6 months.
What you should know
- Temporary swelling, bruising and tenderness
- Risk of infection and bleeding, as with any surgical procedure
- Results vary with individual anatomy and healing
Every medical procedure carries risk. Your physician will explain the risks specific to you during your examination.
Frequently asked questions
What is diabetic foot treatment?
Diabetic foot refers to ulcers, infections and deformities of the foot caused by the damage diabetes does to nerves and blood vessels. Treatment includes regular wound care and removal of dead tissue, special shoes or casts that take pressure off the wound, better blood sugar control and assessment of the circulation. Where needed, infected tissue is removed surgically or corrective operations reduce pressure points on the foot. Treatment is planned together with endocrinology, vascular surgery and infectious disease specialists.
How much does Diabetic Foot Treatment cost in Turkey?
The cost depends on the scope of the procedure, the technique, the hospital and your accommodation choice. After a physician's assessment, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote; getting a quote is free.
What does an all-inclusive Diabetic Foot Treatment package include?
Your quote lists the hospital and physician fees, required tests, check-ups, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and, on request, hotel accommodation as separate items. Flights are not included; we can help organise them if you wish.
How long does Diabetic Foot Treatment take?
The procedure takes about 0.5–2 hours. Anaesthesia: regional anaesthesia (spinal or nerve block).
How long do I stay in hospital and in Turkey?
Hospital stay: 1–7 nights. The total stay in Türkiye is usually planned at 7–21 days; your physician confirms the exact length at your check-up.
Is Diabetic Foot Treatment in Turkey safe? What are the risks?
Every medical procedure carries risk: infection, bleeding, anaesthesia-related problems and healing that differs from what was expected are the main ones. To reduce risk, the procedure is performed by a specialist at a licensed hospital after pre-operative tests. Your physician explains the risks specific to you at your examination.
When can I go back to work and exercise?
Desk work is usually possible within 14 days and sport after 12 weeks. These times vary from person to person.
Will there be scars?
Depends on where the wound is and on the procedure. Scars are noticeable in the first months and fade with time; how they heal depends on your skin.
When will I see the result?
The first change is visible as swelling settles; the final result appears in about 6 months. Results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.
Can I see before and after photos?
Out of respect for patient privacy and under healthcare regulations, patient photos are shared only with the patient's consent. In your consultation the physician explains what is realistic in your case.
How do I choose the best clinic for Diabetic Foot Treatment in Istanbul?
There is no single “best clinic” for everyone; for a safe choice, check these: a Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate, the name of the hospital and the operating surgeon, a written plan based on a physician's assessment, an itemised quote and aftercare. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye; it publishes its authorisation, TÜRSAB and ISO certificates on this site and gives you all of this in writing with your quote.
Can I travel with a diabetic foot ulcer?
Only after the physician has reviewed photos and reports and judged it safe. An active, spreading infection should be treated without delay where you are.
What should I send for the assessment?
Clear photos of the wound, recent blood tests including HbA1c, any X-ray or MRI of the foot and a list of your treatments.
Is Diabetic Foot Treatment in Turkey safe?
Like any operation, Diabetic Foot Treatment carries risks, and the risk depends far more on where and by whom it is done than on the country. The serious cases reported in the press have mostly involved unlicensed premises, non-specialists or too many procedures in one session. A safe choice means a hospital licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health, a named specialist surgeon, an anaesthetist, pre-operative tests and a long enough stay. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye, and you receive the hospital and surgeon details in writing before you travel.
Why is Diabetic Foot Treatment cheaper in Turkey than in the UK, Ireland, Australia or Malta?
The difference comes mainly from lower operating and staff costs and the exchange rate; implants, materials and techniques follow the same international standards. Even so, do not choose on price alone: check the hospital licence, the surgeon’s specialty and exactly what the package includes.
Travelling to Istanbul for Diabetic Foot Treatment from Australia, Malta or further away: what should I plan?
From Malta there are direct flights to Istanbul of around two and a half to three hours; from Australia the journey usually involves one connection and takes 20 hours or more. The longer the flight home, the longer you should stay in Istanbul after Diabetic Foot Treatment, so that your surgeon can check you before travelling. On a long-haul flight wear compression stockings, walk regularly and drink water. Your reports are prepared in English and a New City Clinic coordinator follows your recovery remotely once you are home.
Get your free quote today
Send your photos and questions; a surgeon’s assessment and your quote usually arrive within 24 hours. The consultation is free and without obligation.
- A surgeon’s assessment and quote, usually within 24 hours
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- We reply on WhatsApp in your language
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