Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. They can result from a combination of neuropathy, reduced blood flow, repeated pressure and infection. Because these wounds are complex, they require coordinated care that may include glucose control, wound care, pressure relief, vascular assessment, antibiotics and surgery when indicated.
Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunctive treatment
For selected patients with difficult-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers, a medical team may consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct to standard care. During a session, the patient breathes medical oxygen inside a pressurised chamber, increasing the oxygen dissolved in plasma and the oxygen available to tissues.
Relevant physiological effects
- Support for angiogenesis: Repeated exposure to hyperbaric oxygen can stimulate processes involved in the formation of new small blood vessels around damaged tissue.
- Support in infection control: High tissue oxygen levels can inhibit some anaerobic microorganisms and support the oxygen-dependent activity of immune cells. This does not replace antibiotics or surgical treatment when required.
- Collagen formation and wound repair: Oxygen is necessary for fibroblast function and collagen synthesis, which are important parts of the healing process.
Hyperbaric treatment is not suitable for every diabetic wound. A prior clinical assessment is required to review circulation, infection, wound grade, contraindications and the complete treatment plan. At HMCE in Estepona, each case is assessed before a protocol is recommended.