World Diabetes Day is on November 14. For people with diabetes, long-term health can often be protected by managing common complications.
One of the most serious challenges is poor wound healing. Diabetic ulcers are common in the feet, where wounds can become infected. When ulcers do not respond to treatment, amputation may be recommended.
Five signs a foot wound needs attention
• A cut, blister or sore that isn’t improving after a few days
• Redness, warmth or swelling around it.
• Discharge, or an unusual smell.
• A change in skin colour around the area.
• New pain, or no pain where you’d expect some.
These aren’t the only signs. If in doubt, contact your GP, practice nurse or podiatrist promptly.
HBOT may help some people with slow-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers, as an adjunct to standard wound care. It is still little known in Ireland, so if you feel you’ve tried everything, there may be more options than you think.
During treatment, clients relax in a pressurised chamber breathing high-concentration oxygen, which dissolves in the bloodstream and reaches areas with poor circulation.
Research suggests that, alongside standard care, HBOT may:
• Increase oxygen delivery to support tissue repair.
• Stimulate new blood vessel growth and collagen production.
• Help white blood cells fight infection.
• Help foot ulcers heal more quickly and reduce the risk of major amputation.
Treatment is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. Sessions in OxyGeneration's state-of-the-art chamber are monitored at all times by trained chamber operators.
HBOT is reimbursed by some Irish private health insurance schemes for specified indications, subject to policy and clinical criteria. Check your policy with your insurer.
Call OxyGeneration on 091 394 444 to find out whether HBOT could help you or a loved one.
