Diabetes and Hyperbarics
Diabetes affects more than 12 million people and is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. with diabetes primarily affecting the small blood vessels, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been demonstrated to stimulate the creation of new blood vessels to help combat compromised blood flow and prevent organ failure. Research has shown that HBOT can lower blood sugar levels by increasing cellular sensitivity to insulin and skeletal muscle reception of glucose. Additionally, recent reports have provided evidence towards linking HBOT to regenerating pancreatic islets, thus potentially producing more insulin. HBOT is often beneficial in treating bone and tissue inflammation, in addition to preventing systemic toxicity and permanent disability. With chronic diabetes, impaired circulation reduces wound healing capability and promotes internal and external wounds. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen available to these affected areas, leading to accelerated healing. Studies have demonstrated the benefits of HBOT for diabetes with the following:
Improve Blood Chemistry Profile with HBOT:
- Fasting Blood Sugar
- Hemoglobin HbA1C
- Lipid Profiles
Advance Glycemic Control with HBOT
- Enhances Production of Insulin
- Improves Insulin Sensitivity
- Increases Skeletal Muscle Reception of Glucose
Decrease Cardiovascular Risk with HBOT
- Promotes Long-Term Blood Pressure Control
- Attenuates Metabolic Syndrome
- Reduces Risk of Sudden Heart Attack Due to Ventricular Arrhythmias
Stimulate the Creation of New Blood Vessels & Reduce Inflammation with HBOT
- Improves Brain Function & Reduces Risk of Stroke
- Enhances Heart Function & Reduces risk of Heart Attack
- Reduces Risk of Diabetic Eye Disease
- Decreases Risk of Diabetic Nerve Damage
- Minimizes Risk of Diabetic Kidney Disease
- Combats Cellulitis
Enhance Internal/External Healing with HBOT
- Improves Brain Function & Reduces Risk of Stroke
- Enhances Heart Function & Reduces risk of Heart Attack
- Reduces Risk of Diabetic Eye Disease
- Decreases Risk of Diabetic Nerve Damage
- Minimizes Risk of Diabetic Kidney Disease
- Combats Cellulitis
Study: Inflammation & Hardening of the Arteries Decreased with HBOT
A study published in 2008 evaluated the effectiveness of HBOT with respect to decreasing amputation rates for patients with diabetic foot ulcer. A total of 184 consecutive patients received an average of 39 HBOT sessions (60 to 120 minutes a day, six times a week with patients’ progress evaluated at 3, 6 & 12 months) in conjunction with standard treatments for diabetic food ulcer. Following the treatment, 115 (62 percent) were completely healed, 31 (17 percent) showed no improvement and 38 (21 percent) underwent amputation. HBOT’s success was illustrated by its ability to create new circulatory pathways, accelerate healing and increase antibacterial activity. This study confirmed that HBOT can help reduce major amputation rates in diabetic foot ulcers by repairing tissue. This finding is especially noteworthy considering other conventional treatments had failed.
