Regardless of the type, diabetes is a frustrating and inconvenient disease to live with. But the complications can be extremely detrimental, and some are even fatal. Some of these symptoms are kidney and heart disease, nerve disease, blindness, impotence, and diabetic neuropathy. Under the worst conditions, some patients even have lower limbs amputated. While the effects of oxygen therapy and hyperbaric chambers for diabetic patients may not be preventative for diabetes itself, it can reduce the likelihood of the complications.
Internal wounds to the organs are most hyperbaric chamber cost to buy helped by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). HBOT replenishes the oxygen supply in the blood, so that the blood and plasma can carry more blood to the muscles and organs. Oxygen can heal almost any kind of wound by building up healthy new tissue at the wound site, and the pressurized oxygen inters the body to do just that. Some “topical” hyperbaric chambers are so small that they are meant to concentrate the pressurized oxygen on only one limb; others are traditional and meant for the patient to climb in, but are portable and can be used in the patient’s own home; others can only be used at a hospital, and some of these can accommodate up to four people at a time.
With increased oxygen levels, blood vessels function better as well. This, along with faster-healing tissue, is beneficial for a diabetic patient because some people are at risk for irradiated tissue and skin graft or flap compromise. Hyperbaric chambers also enable diabetics to be much less subject to infection of the tissue or wounds, which in turn makes any further complications much less likely. Infections can occur from street drugs or surgery, and people with diabetes are more susceptible because of weakened antibodies.
Results from tests on the reaction of diabetic patients with foot ulcers to hyperbaric chambers were very positive; the therapy was given for two weeks, and during that time the rate of healing was significantly improved. Hyperbaric chambers may also help diabetics with hypoglycemia, a common side effect that occurs when there is not enough glucose in the blood. Because the blood cannot deliver enough glucose to the brain, hypoglycemia can result in temporary unconsciousness or seizures. If these persist, a patient could suffer brain damage.
But hyperbaric chambers have been found to help people with autism and cerebral palsy, so why not those who have lasting brain damage from hypoglycemia? Most sources also say that HBOT can regulate blood flow in the cerebrum, which is weakened in patients with diabetes.
If left untreated for too long, diabetes and its connected complications can worsen and even be linked to subsequent stroke. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been able to prevent stroke and even significantly help people recovering from stroke. Though anyone interested in using a hyperbaric chamber for diabetes and any other ailment is encouraged to consult a doctor first, most hard studies have shown that the therapy is helpful in any stage of a disease.