Managing the Complexities of Diabetic Wounds

Why Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Should Be Part of the Solution

Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of non-traumatic foot wounds by far. Diabetes is present in over 80% of lower extremity amputations in the U.S. every year. These wounds, when left untreated or managed ineffectively, can lead to severe infections, amputations, and a significant reduction in quality of life. 

For healthcare professionals, managing diabetic wounds requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the underlying condition and the specific needs of the wound itself. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a critical component in this multifaceted care plan, offering a proven solution to accelerate healing and reduce complications.

The Complexity of Diabetic Wounds

Diabetic wounds, especially foot ulcers, are notoriously difficult to treat due to a combination of factors that impede the body’s natural healing process, most commonly reduced circulation, neuropathy, weakened immune response and chronic inflammation. Given these challenges, diabetic wounds require specialized care that goes beyond traditional wound management techniques. This is where Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy plays an essential role.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Enhances Healing

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves placing the patient in a pressurized chamber where they breathe 100% oxygen. This process significantly increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the body’s tissues, promoting several key physiological changes that are especially beneficial for diabetic wound healing.

1. Improved Tissue Oxygenation: One of the most critical issues in diabetic wounds is the lack of oxygen reaching the affected tissue due to poor circulation. HBOT helps to overcome this problem by delivering a high concentration of oxygen directly to the blood. This increase in oxygen supply enhances cellular activity, speeds up the removal of waste products, and promotes the growth of new, healthy blood vessels—a process known as angiogenesis. Improved oxygenation allows tissues to regenerate and heal more effectively, addressing one of the root causes of chronic diabetic wounds.
2. Reduced Inflammation and Swelling: Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of diabetic wounds, often trapping the body in a cycle of tissue breakdown and delayed healing. HBOT has anti-inflammatory effects that help to reduce swelling and promote a balanced immune response. By minimizing inflammation, HBOT creates an environment where healing can proceed more rapidly and effectively.
3. Enhanced Collagen Production and Tissue Regeneration: Collagen is a critical protein for wound healing, providing the structural framework for new tissue growth. The increased oxygen levels provided by HBOT stimulate collagen synthesis, allowing the body to repair damaged tissue more efficiently. This is especially important for diabetic patients, whose impaired healing process often leads to incomplete or delayed tissue repair.
4. Increased Infection Control: Diabetic wounds are highly susceptible to infection, which can further complicate the healing process. HBOT enhances the body's ability to fight off infections by boosting the activity of white blood cells and enhancing the effects of certain antibiotics. Additionally, the oxygen-rich environment created by HBOT inhibits the growth of anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in oxygen-poor tissues.

Why Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Should Be Part of the Solution

For healthcare facilities treating diabetic patients, incorporating HBOT into wound care protocols can be a game changer. By addressing the underlying issues that make diabetic wounds so difficult to heal—hypoxia, inflammation, and infection—HBOT offers a comprehensive approach that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The use of HBOT in wound care is recognized as an adjunctive therapy for diabetic foot ulcers that do not respond to conventional treatments by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), CMS & the FDA.

Managing the complexities of diabetic wounds requires a multifaceted approach, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy should be an integral part of the solution. With its proven ability to enhance tissue healing, reduce inflammation, control infections, and prevent amputations, HBOT offers a powerful tool for healthcare providers looking to improve outcomes for diabetic patients.

For facilities looking to expand their wound care offerings and incorporate HBOT into their treatment protocols, partnering with a specialized provider like CutisCare can ensure that the therapy is seamlessly integrated and optimized for patient success. Together, we can provide diabetic patients with the advanced care they need to heal and thrive. Curious if expanding your treatment options to include HBOT is right for your facility? Schedule a no-obligation discovery call today!