Living with diabetes has so many challenges. Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body controls blood glucose levels. If blood sugar levels are not under control, it increases the risk of complications like unhealed wounds and ulcers, and much more.

When a person has diabetes, even a small cut, blister, or wound on the foot can become a serious problem.

If you and your loved ones are struggling with this issue, it’s important to know that a modern-day solution for this problem exists. And one of the most effective solutions is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

This blog will break down what exactly HBOT is, how it helps diabetic wounds heal, and what benefits you can expect.

What is a Diabetic Foot Wound, and Why Won’t it Heal?

A diabetic wound, such as a diabetic foot ulcer, is a wound in the skin that might have been caused by cuts or a slip. These wounds do not heal properly. This happens because: 

• Poor blood circulation: high blood sugar damages vessels over time, which narrows the vessels, hindering the proper flow of blood. Especially in the feet and legs. Less blood means less oxygen. This is why any diabetic foot wound takes forever to heal. 
  
• Nerve damage: diabetes can damage the nerves that lead to loss of sensation. You might not feel a small cut, blister, or sore, and you allow it to worsen without realizing it.

What exactly is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medically approved treatment that involves breathing oxygen through a pressurized chamber. 

It increases the amount of oxygen in your blood, which directly promotes the healing process of various conditions like wounds and infections.

The increased oxygen intake helps boost the body’s natural healing capacity, which is best for foot ulcers, wounds, and chronic infections. 

Basically, in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you breathe 100% pure oxygen while resting inside a pressurised chamber.

How is HBOT helpful for Diabetic Foot wounds?

HBOT plays a critical role in the healing of diabetic foot wounds. It kickstarts your body’s natural healing process in many fundamental ways. 

1. It increases oxygen supply to the tissue: the therapy supplies 100% oxygen to the blood, which increases the amount of oxygen in the tissues as well. And when an adequate amount of blood is supplied to your blood vessels, your healing process naturally grows. And significantly, your body allows you to fight infection and promote tissue repair more effectively.
   
2. Reduction of inflammation:  diabetic foot wounds are often associated with chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation reduces the healing process, and HBOT helps in reducing the inflammation by lowering the chemicals in your body that cause swelling.
   
3. Enhanced collagen formation: Collagen is a medically known protein that helps in wound healing.  And HBOT helps develop collagen in the wound site,  which helps in tissue repair and accelerates the closure of diabetic foot ulcers. 
   
4. Improved immune function: the increased oxygen content in your body with HBOT helps strengthen the immune system. It stimulates the activity of white blood cells in your blood, which is practically beneficial for diabetic patients, as their immune system is weakened due to their condition. It also helps your body’s immune system fight bacterial infections more effectively, which can reduce the risk of foot ulcers.
   
5. Lower the risk of amputation:  HBOT helps in preventing the complications that may lead to amputation later. This is especially important for diabetic patients who are at high risk of limb damage due to uncontrolled infection and poor blood circulation. 

The Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy HBOT For Diabetic Patients

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and effective way for your body to naturally heal, especially for diabetic patients with foot wounds that can be stubborn to heal. Adding HBOT to your healing journey can add big and long-term benefits.  

1. Fast Wound Healing: HBOT approaches the root cause, which is oxygen starvation. It supplies 100% oxygen to your tissues, helping the stubborn wounds and ulcers to heal quickly. 
   
2. Enhanced Effectiveness of Antibiotics: when there is better oxygen supply, it creates a better environment for bacteria to be killed, and with the help of HBOT, you get a high dose of oxygen, which doesn’t just kill a few harmful bacteria but creates a better environment for antibiotics to work.   
   
3. Reduced Amputation Risk: diabetic foot wounds can get devastatingly serious, it may also include cutting off your limbs. But with additional treatment of HBOT, you can lower the risk of amputation. 
   
4. Improved long-term outcome: Healing a chronic wound can be hard, but it’s not impossible. HBOT offers quick recovery with less pain. And patients regain their mobility and confidence.

What to Expect During HBOT Treatment at TenMed

At TenMed, our hyperbaric oxygen therapy( HBOT) sessions are designed to support your body’s natural healing process. We prioritize your safety and comfort. In our typical session, you get: 

1. Pre-treatment Evaluation: before taking your first session, our clinical team will review your medical history and complete a physical assessment to ensure HBOT is right for you.
   
2. Preparation: You’ll be asked to wear 100% cotton clothing provided by our staff and remove any prohibited items (like electronics or flammable materials). 

3. Entering the Chamber: then you’ll lie in a clean and pressurized chamber. Our technician will be with you every step of the way to ensure your comfort.

4. Oxygen Therapy: once the chamber reaches the prescribed oxygen pressure. You will be able to breathe pure oxygen. This process lasts for around 90 minutes and may involve gradual pressure changes. 
   
5. Post-treatment monitoring: After the session, our team will assist you out of the chamber and monitor you briefly to ensure you feel well before you leave.

Take Your Next Step Towards Healing 

If you or your loved ones are going through the same, tired of the wound that won’t heal. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Reach out to our Hyperbaric Program Director and know if HBOT is the right choice for you.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Ques 1. Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy safe, and are there any side effects?

Ans. Yes, HBOT is a scientifically backed treatment and approved by the FDA. Generally, it’s a very safe procedure, but some patients may experience temporary, minor side effects similar to those felt in an airplane, such as pressure in the ears or sinus discomfort.   

At TenMed, we ensure you are administered by a professional throughout the session. 

Ques 2. How do I know if I’m a suitable candidate for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Ans. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works for many, but generally, caution is advised for individuals who have any lung disease, a history of specific ear or sinus surgeries, and pregnant women. 

A complete medical review will determine if HBOT is right for you. 

Ques 3. How many HBOT sessions are typically needed for a diabetic foot ulcer?

Ans. A full course of treatment typically takes between 20 to 40 sessions, which are scheduled for five days a week and one session per day. But the exact number of sessions will be determined by the team of professionals, which will be based on your individual healing response and the severity of the wound.