Ireland has one of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in Europe, with more than 225,000 people currently diagnosed. Among the most serious complications are diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs ). DFUs are wounds that are slow to heal, and around 15 per cent of people with diabetes will develop a DFU during their lifetime. DFUs can significantly impact quality of life, and, in some cases, result in admission to hospital or amputation.
DFUs develop due to poor circulation. Conditions such as peripheral arterial disease and diabetes-related blood vessel damage can prevent tissues from getting enough oxygen. Without adequate oxygen, even the best standard wound care can struggle to help wounds heal.
For clients with more advanced wounds (classified as Wagner Grade III or higher ), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT ) is an FDA-approved additional treatment. During HBOT, clients breathe in high-concentration oxygen while sitting in a specialised chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, helping to support tissue repair and control infection when used alongside standard diabetes wound care.
Clinical evidence shows that HBOT can significantly reduce the risk of amputation in some clients with ischaemic diabetic foot ulcers. While HBOT is not a replacement for treatments such as wound dressings, offloading, or vascular care, it supports healing alongside them.
At OxyGeneration in Galway, HBOT is provided as part of a joint approach. The clinic works closely with GPs, podiatrists, vascular surgeons, and diabetes care teams to ensure each client receives coordinated, personalised care.
If you or someone you care for has diabetes and a wound that isn’t healing, OxyGeneration welcomes self-referrals, or referrals from your GP or healthcare team, for an initial consultation.
To find out more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy, visit www.oxygeneration.com or call 091 394 444.
