Gdb can be used by MySQL DBAs as a last resort tool to troubleshoot issues. It allows inspecting variable values, setting variables, calling functions, and getting stack traces from a running or crashed mysqld process. The presentation provides examples of using gdb to study InnoDB locks, metadata locks, and real bugs. While gdb can help in some cases, ideally DBAs should use profiling tools, implement missing features, and follow best practices to avoid needing gdb.