Diabetes preventive care and management of complications with hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Complications arising from diabetes are due to prolonged exposure of the capillaries (small terminal blood vessels) to high levels of sugar. This causes changes in the cellular level, creating deposits on the walls of the capillaries making them rigid and narrower. When these capillary networks, also known as microcirculation are damaged, they are no longer able to provide oxygen and nutrients to the nearby tissue, or to remove metabolic waste products. Failed microcirculation further causes peripheral nerve damage, better known as neuropathy. This is the underlying mechanism explaining why diabetic wounds take longer to heal, how kidney and retinal damage occurs, and why the risk of stroke and heart disease is increased in diabetics.
In addition to controlling blood glucose levels and maintaining regular physical activity, preserving healthy microcirculation on which all body organs depend is the most important thing in diabetic management.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in diabetes preventive care promotes growth of blood vessels and nerve endings. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy acts as a blood thinner and improves red blood cell compliance, enabling the blood to enter finer capillaries where the most effective transfer of oxygen takes place. This therapy can both reduce the risk of blood clotting and thrombosis associated with diabetes and stroke as well as heighten metabolism and tissue perfusion to meet an increased demand for oxygen during activity or injury/illness.
Complications of Diabetes:
In the nervous system: High levels of blood sugar can damage the nerve fibers throughout the body, most often in the nerves of the legs and feet. This is called diabetic neuropathy. Pain and numbness of the extremities are the initial symptoms. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces leg pain and numbness by promoting nerve regeneration.
Wound healing: Breakdown of micro-circulation (diabetic vasculopathy) in diabetes, and consequent damage of oxygen deprived nerve endings called diabetic neuropathy can lead to occurrence of wounds and will cause their slow healing. Statistically, half of the primary lower limb amputations are related to diabetes, however, 75 to 90% can be prevented with timely initiation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Furthermore, recent long-term follow-up studies showed a 23% improved 6-year survival rate in patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers after hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
In the eye: Diabetic retinopathy affects the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye called the retina causing vision problems. 12% of blindness is due to diabetes alone. Timely initiation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves visual acuity and prevents the occurrence of blindness, glaucoma and cataracts.
In the kidneys and bladder: Some diabetics may develop kidney disease which later may lead to kidney failure. Diabetic nephropathy has become the most common single cause of end-stage renal disease. Diabetes destroys the small blood vessels responsible for filtering the waste products of the body. These impaired capillaries can be restored with hyperbaric oxygen therapy resulting in improved kidney function.
Stroke and Heart Attack: Diabetics are at high risk for stroke and myocardial infarction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy serves as a blood thinner, creating a more effective and efficient circulation and prevents clotting and thrombosis. Re-oxygenation of the heart and brain, and extra oxygen dissolved in blood plasma can reach the areas where circulation is lost or damaged to initiate the repair.
Dental and Gum Problems: High blood sugar promotes plaque build up and bacterial growth resulting in worsening of gum and tooth problems. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can prevent periodontitis by suppressing inflammation and reducing infection with its bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties.
Stem cell boost: Improved functions of the different organ systems in a diabetic undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the result of increased release of stem cells. A breakthrough study by Dr. Stephen Thom (2005) showed that hyperbaric oxygen facilitates the release of stem cells from bone marrow. Stem cells are essential for repair and rejuvenation of the body. Other benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy include improved heart pumping function, bone density, and immune system response.
Diabetes, Peripheral vascular disease, Cardio vascular disease
Diabetes care
Diabetes Neuropathy
Diabetes amputations
