Diabetes and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is used in a range of medical and recovery settings and is sometimes explored by people living with diabetes who are looking for additional support alongside their existing treatment plan.
At our Hertfordshire-based therapy centre, we provide access to oxygen therapy in a safe, controlled environment. Many people attend alongside the care they receive from their GP, diabetes team, or other healthcare professionals.
Potential benefits of Oxygen Therapy for Diabetes may include:
- Support for wound healing
- Improved tissue oxygenation
- Support for circulation
- Reduced discomfort associated with some diabetic complications
- Improved wellbeing
- Increased energy levels
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose).
According to the Diabetes UK, millions of people in the UK live with diabetes, making it one of the most common long-term health conditions.
The two main types of diabetes are:
Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes require insulin treatment to manage their condition.
Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin. It is the most common form of diabetes and is often linked to factors such as age, weight, genetics, and lifestyle.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Important: Diabetes should always be diagnosed by a qualified healthcare professional. If you suspect Diabetes, speak to your GP or a specialist.
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of diabetes and how well blood sugar levels are controlled.
Common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Recurring infections
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Support Diabetes
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing oxygen in a pressurised chamber. This allows oxygen to dissolve more effectively into the bloodstream and reach tissues throughout the body.
As explained by University of Michigan Health, HBOT increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, helping to support tissue repair and overall function.
For people with diabetes, oxygen therapy is most commonly discussed in relation to wound healing and circulation.
High blood sugar levels can sometimes affect circulation and reduce the amount of oxygen reaching tissues, particularly in the feet and lower legs. This can make wounds slower to heal and increase the risk of complications.
By increasing oxygen delivery to tissues, HBOT may help support the body’s natural healing response and tissue repair processes.
Potential Benefits for Diabetes
Some people choose to explore Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy alongside their existing diabetes management. Potential benefits that are sometimes discussed in relation to oxygen therapy include:
- Support for Wound Healing: HBOT is widely recognised for its role in supporting wound healing, particularly where tissues may not be receiving enough oxygen.
- Improved Tissue Oxygenation: Increasing oxygen availability may help support normal cellular function and repair.
- Support for Circulation: Oxygen therapy may help improve oxygen delivery to tissues that have reduced blood supply.
- Reduced Discomfort from Diabetic Complications: Some individuals with diabetic complications, such as peripheral neuropathy, report improvements in comfort and wellbeing while attending regular sessions.
- Increased Energy and Wellbeing: Many people describe feeling more energised and generally better after consistent oxygen therapy sessions.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not a treatment for diabetes itself, and outcomes can vary from person to person.
Try Oxygen Therapy for Diabetes
If you are living with diabetes and would like to learn more about Oxygen Therapy, we would be happy to help.
As a registered charity based in Hertfordshire, we provide access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a safe, welcoming environment. We support people from across the local area who are looking to explore additional wellbeing and recovery options alongside their existing healthcare.
We’re always happy to answer your questions and discuss whether HBOT may be right for you.
Research into Diabetes & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Research into Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and diabetes has primarily focused on diabetic foot ulcers and wound healing.
There is growing interest in how increased oxygen delivery may support tissue repair, circulation, and recovery in people living with diabetes-related complications.
Studies have shown that HBOT may help support healing in some individuals with diabetic foot ulcers, particularly where conventional treatments alone have not been successful.
While research continues, HBOT is generally considered a complementary therapy that may be used alongside standard diabetes care rather than as a replacement for medical treatment.
References
Diabetes & Oxygen Therapy FAQs
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not a treatment for diabetes itself. However, it may provide additional support for some people, particularly those experiencing complications such as slow-healing wounds.
Research has shown that HBOT may support healing in some people with diabetic foot ulcers by increasing oxygen delivery to affected tissues.
HBOT increases the amount of oxygen available in the bloodstream, which may help support tissues that are receiving reduced blood supply.
Some individuals with diabetic neuropathy report improvements in comfort and wellbeing while attending regular oxygen therapy sessions. Experiences vary from person to person.
Yes. Oxygen therapy is considered a complementary therapy and should not replace any medication or treatment prescribed by your healthcare team.
No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to discuss oxygen therapy and whether it may be suitable for you.
Oxygen Therapy for Diabetes
If you have Diabetes, we would like to try to help you.
Our registered charity welcomes anyone with any long term or neurological condition. We are proud to have the only Oxygen Chamber in Hertfordshire.
To arrange your appointment please contact us on 01462 684 214 or email enquiries123@hmstc.net.