Circulation can be an area of significant concern for men and women with diabetes. Although it is not a guarantee that someone with diabetes will develop foot ulcers or other complications brought about by neuropathy and poor circulation, it is a reality for many.

As with all medical conditions, the best way to handle ulcers is by avoiding them altogether, but this may not be possible due to uncontrollable diabetes, lifestyle changes, or even other illnesses or co-morbid conditions. If this is the case, there may be a treatment for you.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Quick History

A hyperbaric chamber is a small, enclosed space wherein oxygen therapy is administered. To increase the body’s ability to heal and greatly improve function, the chamber is used to deliver 100% oxygen. This treatment is thought to provide the body with superior abilities due to oxygen being absorbed and utilized by all parts of the body, rather than only being transported by red blood cells.

This is particularly useful for men and women with diabetes because poor circulation means stalled healing and ineffective oxygen use. Without oxygen, the body cannot heal, making a single, small sore extremely dangerous.

Oxygen Therapy and Diabetes

When 100% oxygen is flooded throughout the body, your body does not rely solely upon red blood cells to transport oxygen and heal but can absorb the oxygen in all areas, providing healing to areas that are not readily reached by red blood cells. For people with diabetes, additional oxygen is an incredible offer as it can provide healing to sores that came to be because of a lack of oxygen to begin with.

Fortunately, insurance companies are willing to consider this particular method of treatment a legitimate one, and spending time in a hyperbaric chamber may be covered (at least partially) by your insurance, provided that you have a reference from your physician.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has even been shown to lessen the risk of amputation in men and women with sores caused by diabetes due to its advanced healing properties. Some insurance companies may need to know this, as the cost of therapy can pale in comparison to the cost of major surgery.

HBOT in Treatment

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy becoming a common method of treating injuries and brain damage, with practitioners available in most large cities. Although the process is not as simple as walking into a spa and requesting a pedicure, its availability is increasing. Many  believe that it can provide powerful healing for men and women suffering from diabetic ulcers and who are struggling to heal.

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