Patients with diabetes that have circulation problems with their feet are turning to a new kind of treatment: the hyperbaric chamber. That’s according to a recent article and video report from King 5 News.
Lack of circulation is a major danger for people with diabetes, because poor circulation can lead to eventual amputations of toes, feet, legs or hands. Nearly 15% of the 28 million people with diabetes in the U.S. will develop foot ulcers and many of them will require doctors to amputate the foot.
In the hyperbaric chamber, patients are exposed to pressurized oxygen for two hours a day, five days a week, for approximately two months. This will allow areas that have poor blood flow to absorb oxygen through their plasma. This helps patients grow new blood vessels, which aids in circulation and healing of wounds.
This method greatly improved patients’ chances of avoiding amputation. Nearly 89% of those in the study that were using the hyperbaric chamber therapy avoided amputation. Meanwhile, only 60% avoided amputation when given conventional treatment. This treatment is covered by many insurance companies, but shouldn’t be used for people with seizures or breathing problems.
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