Diabetes & Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common and serious complication of diabetes. These ulcers take a long time to heal due to poor blood flow and low oxygen levels in the affected area.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing nearly pure oxygen through a mask in a pressurised chamber. This high-pressure environment helps increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, and the amount of oxygen in the blood plasma. This extra oxygen promotes faster and more effective healing of wounds. Faster healing reduces the risk of infection and amputation and greatly improves the quality of life of the individual.
HBOT is recognised as a treatment by Diabetes Ireland. It is commonly used to treat DFUs throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Japan and the USA.
How HBOT Works for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
1. Increases Oxygen Supply:
HBOT boosts oxygen levels in the blood, aiding the body’s natural healing processes.
2. New Blood Vessel Growth:
HBOT encourages the body to grow new blood vessels, which improves the blood flow to the wound area.
3. Reduces Inflammation:
HBOT helps reduce inflammation, a common issue in diabetic foot ulcers.
4. Boosts Collagen Production:
Collagen is essential for wound healing, and HBOT promotes its production.
5. Fights Infection
HBOT boosts the ability of white blood cells to fight off infections. The higher oxygen levels also make it harder for harmful bacteria to thrive, helping to prevent infections.
Benefits of HBOT for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
HBOT offers several key benefits for treating diabetic foot ulcers:
Enhanced Wound Healing:
HBOT can significantly improve the chances of complete wound healing, HBOT leads to better quality healing.
Reduced Amputation Risk:
Patients receiving HBOT are more likely to heal, and thus less likely to need amputations.
Faster Healing Times:
Treatment with HBOT can accelerate the healing process.
Improved Quality of Life:
Successful HBOT treatment can lead to less pain and better mobility. Many public health systems all over the world provide HBOT to diabetic patients as the cost benefits are huge – the patients spend less time in wound clinics and recover faster.
Practical Considerations
Client Selection:
HBOT is typically recommended for severe DFUs that do not respond to standard treatments, however, increasingly it is being used earlier in treatment plans. However, not everyone is suitable for HBOT. Clients need to fully disclose any conditions that might make the treatment risky, such as certain lung problems. Where required, an evaluation by a doctor before treatment ensures safety and helps determine if HBOT is the right choice for each client. Please note that OxyGeneration does not provide diagnostic services and is a treatment provide only. We strongly encourage all clients to consult with their medical team if required.
Treatment Protocols:
Treatments usually last 80 minutes per session and are conducted daily over several weeks. Every individual is different and we recommend consulting with your medical team. HBOT requires a substantial time commitment on the part of the client, particularly for severe wounds. To help determine how many sessions each individual will require, new clients can speak with OxyGeneration staff prior to commencing their Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy.
Monitoring Progress:
Regular assessments are crucial to track healing progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
Kathleen Costello, Client:
“I firmly believe for diabetic non-healing wounds hyperbaric oxygenation could turn healing around for diabetics around the world. Hyperbaric oxygenation (23 sessions) has prevented me from requiring amputation surgery that was recommended to me as my only option. (40 session recommended cycle).”
Conclusion
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a promising and effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. It helps wounds heal faster, reduces the risk of amputations, and improves the overall quality of life for patients. If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, talk to your doctor about whether HBOT is a suitable option for you.
For frequently asked questions about Glucose Levels and HBOT for People with Diabetes, please see our Diabetes FAQ page.
For further information on the use of HBOT for diabetes, please visit our resources page by clicking the link below.