helping rebuild what seems to be lost For someone living with diabetes, it can be very hard to notice the smallest wounds on the bottom of their feet due to neuropathy, a nerve disorder prevalent in the diabetic community caused by low circulation. These cuts and scrapes can compound into infected ulcers and lead to amputations. In fact, diabetic ulcers affect up to 34% of people with diabetes. Each year 100,000 Americans with diabetes will lose part of their lower limbs due to a non healing or infected ulcer(9.) Patients with diabetic ulcers who utilize hyperbaric oxygen therapy have significantly reduced their need for amputation as well as improved healing. At Delaware Hyperbarics, we have successfully cared for and seen many kinds of wounds, from surgical incisions to diabetic ulcers. As a clinic we have successfully prevented multiple diabetic patients from needing painful, disabling, and expensive amputations. In fact, HBOT is most commonly used to help heal wounds. In the case of both chronic and acute wounds, HBOT raises the saturation of oxygen within the blood and tissues of the body, lowers the risk of infection (by attacking bacteria that thrive in low oxygen), activates wound healing factors like angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels), and increases circulation of stem cells, all of which help the body heal and close the wound.
Why are diabetic wounds hard to heal?
Wound healing is the body’s biological process of repairing damaged tissue and cells. Diabetic wounds heal slower than typical wounds due to many complications working together: higher blood glucose levels impair the immune function of white blood cells, insulin imbalance disrupts the body’s ability to create the needed energy to rebuild cells, and poor circulation restricts oxygen & nutrients from reaching the extremities.
How does HBOT help wound healing?
- Increased Blood Oxygen
Increased oxygen dissolved into the blood plasma through HBOT helps the delivery of oxygen to areas of the body with compromised circulation. (13) - Capillary growth
Longer-term HBOT stimulates the growth of new capillaries, furthering the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients into areas that need them most. (7) - Increased Energy
When the mitochondria have access to more oxygen, the body produces more of the cellular energy (ATP) needed to heal wounds, and improve overall well-being. (11) - Anti-inflammatory
HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation after just one treatment, which increases circulation by reducing pressure on the vascular system.(8) - Eliminates Bacterial Infections and Improves effectiveness of antibiotics
The bad bacteria responsible for infection cannot live in the hyper-oxygenated environment created in the patient’s body after undergoing HBOT. Inhibits clostridial toxin production and improves the potency of some antibiotics. (5) (10) - Speeds wound healing
Stimulation of mitochondria and fibroblast leads to increased collagen production and cellular repair. (5)
Is HBOT Right for Me?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been proven effective to aid in the recovery of diabetic ulcers that do not exceed a grade 3 on the Wagner scale. This means that any ulcer that has progressed past grade 3 has reduced efficacy, please consult with your doctor and our medical team to determine where you are at in the progression. For more information about the Wagner scale click to learn more.
What symptoms and conditions are contraindications?
| Conditions | Medications |
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You may consider rescheduling your visit in the chamber if you are suffering from any of the above conditions. These conditions are less frequent but may be a risk to your health. Please consult your doctor before booking an appointment. For more information about more contraindications, please visit the “A word of caution” section of our FAQ page |
Planning Your HBOT Journey
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Step 1 – Talk to your doctor about the appropriate wagner grade of your wound
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Step 2 – Call or text us at (510) 648-9496 with your wagner grade and any other complications
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Complications include and are not limited to:
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Infection
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Sepsis
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Wound complications
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Any hospital admissions
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Step 3 – Schedule with us either on the phone or through our website for your first session
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Step 4 – Begin your hyperbaric healing journey
The statements and information on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Studies, claims, and any other information provided in these documents by Delaware Hyperbarics are intended for educational purposes only and are not meant to prescribe treatment. Protocol and results of hyperbaric oxygen therapy have not been verified by the FDA and should be discussed with a medical doctor before beginning treatment.
Call us today for more information.
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