The Role Oxygen Plays in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

By John A. Guerriero III, DO RPVI

Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes, affecting up to 25% of diabetic patients in their lifetime. These open sores, typically on the bottom of the foot, can lead to severe infections and even amputation if left untreated. Among the key factors in healing these ulcers is oxygen—an essential element that plays a crucial role in wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Understanding Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers develop due to a combination of factors. Nerve damage (neuropathy) from uncontrolled blood sugar levels reduces sensation in the feet, meaning that patients may not notice small cuts or pressure points until they become larger, more severe wounds. Compromised blood circulation, another common issue in diabetics, reduces the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, slowing down the healing process.

For a diabetic foot ulcer to heal effectively, the body must repair damaged tissues, fight infection, and stimulate the growth of new skin and blood vessels. All of these processes require oxygen, making it a vital player in recovery.

Oxygen: A Critical Component in Wound Healing

Oxygen is essential at every stage of wound healing. It powers the production of collagen, a protein that forms the structure of new skin tissue. It also promotes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), ensuring that the wound site gets the nutrients and blood flow it needs to heal. Oxygen is also a key factor in fighting infection, as white blood cells use it to destroy bacteria and prevent infections from spreading.

For diabetic foot ulcers, which often occur in areas with reduced blood flow, the lack of oxygen in the tissues can prevent wounds from healing properly. That’s where advanced treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT) come into play.

How HBOT Helps Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that delivers 100% oxygen to the body in a pressurized environment. During HBOT, patients breathe pure oxygen in a chamber, and the elevated pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve into the bloodstream and reach tissues that are otherwise deprived.

For patients with diabetic foot ulcers, this increased oxygen supply helps in several ways:

• Enhanced Collagen Production: By boosting oxygen levels, HBOT accelerates the production of collagen, which is essential for wound closure and skin regeneration.

• New Blood Vessel Formation: The pressurized oxygen encourages the growth of new blood vessels in damaged tissue, improving circulation and bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the wound.

• Infection Control: Increased oxygen levels improve the efficiency of white blood cells, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections and reduce the risk of sepsis or further complications.

• Tissue Regeneration: Oxygen supports cellular growth and tissue repair, allowing the wound to heal more quickly and thoroughly.

Research has shown that HBOT can significantly improve healing outcomes for patients with diabetic foot ulcers, especially those that are resistant to standard treatments. In fact, many patients who previously faced amputation due to non-healing ulcers have seen remarkable results after incorporating HBOT into their care plans.

The Consequences of Oxygen Deprivation

When diabetic foot ulcers don’t receive adequate oxygen, they often become chronic, non-healing wounds. This can lead to complications like gangrene, where the tissue becomes necrotic and dies, leaving patients at risk for severe infection. Without prompt treatment, these wounds can progress to the point of requiring amputation.

The longer a diabetic foot ulcer goes without sufficient oxygen and proper care, the greater the risk of lifethreatening infections. This is why early intervention, including HBOT when appropriate, is critical to prevent further complications.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Patient Care at NEPA Vascular

At NEPA Vascular, we understand the unique challenges that patients with diabetic foot ulcers face. Our team of vascular specialists works closely with patients to develop comprehensive treatment plans that not only address wound healing but also improve overall circulation and blood flow.

By integrating hyperbaric oxygen therapy into our approach, we provide patients with an advanced option for treating stubborn, non-healing diabetic foot ulcers. Our HBOT treatments are designed to enhance oxygen delivery to affected tissues, accelerate healing, and reduce the risk of infection.

Living with diabetes presents many challenges, but with the right care and advanced treatment options like HBOT, patients with diabetic foot ulcers can improve their outcomes and avoid the serious consequences of delayed healing.

For more information on how oxygen therapy can support your recovery from diabetic foot ulcers, call NEPA Vascular at (570) 616-8589 or visit nepavascular.com.