Living with a diabetic foot ulcer that is not healing can be exhausting, painful, and stressful.
For many people with diabetes, even small injuries can take months to heal, raising the risk of an infection and, in severe cases, more serious complications.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT ) may be able to help. It is an internationally recognised adjunctive treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, used concurrently with standard wound-care protocols.
HBOT involves breathing high-concentration oxygen in a pressurised chamber through a comfortable mask. Under pressure, oxygen dissolves directly into the blood plasma, raising the amount that reaches tissue where healing has stalled because of poor circulation.
This supports the body’s own natural repair processes, including new tissue growth and the ability of white blood cells to fight infection.
Scientific studies have shown that HBOT may improve healing rates for diabetic foot ulcers as an adjunct to standard wound care. It is generally considered for wounds that have not responded after at least four weeks of adequate standard care, and it works best as part of a broader care plan managed by your healthcare team.
Throughout a course of HBOT, it is important to continue with usual diabetes care, such as antibiotics where prescribed, good blood sugar control, and regular wound care appointments.
Because HBOT can affect blood glucose, the OxyGeneration team can give you further information to share with your medical team.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a wound that just won’t heal, it’s worth finding out whether HBOT could help.
HBOT is generally well tolerated. The most common issue is ear discomfort during pressure changes.
To find out more about HBOT or OxyGeneration in Galway, call 091 394 444.
