D I A B E T E S
Diabetes affects more than 12 million people in the United States and is a leading contributor to serious long-term health complications. One of the primary challenges associated with diabetes is impaired microcirculation, which can limit oxygen delivery to tissues and affect the body’s natural healing processes.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is used as a supportive therapy that enhances oxygen availability at the cellular level. By increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood, HBOT may help support physiological processes such as angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), tissue oxygenation, and inflammatory modulation, which are often compromised in individuals with diabetes.
Research suggests that HBOT may support metabolic function by influencing cellular oxygen utilization. Some studies have observed associations between HBOT and improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced skeletal muscle glucose uptake, and favorable changes in markers of blood chemistry. Emerging research has also explored HBOT’s potential role in supporting pancreatic cellular environments, including pancreatic islets, though this area continues to be studied.
In individuals with chronic diabetes, reduced circulation and oxygenation can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infections and ulcerations. HBOT may help support the body’s natural wound-healing response by increasing oxygen delivery to affected tissues, which is known to support fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis, and epithelialization. HBOT is also commonly used as an adjunctive therapy in conditions such as osteomyelitis and soft-tissue infections when compromised oxygen delivery is a contributing factor.
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Potential Supportive Benefits Observed with HBOT
(as an adjunct to standard medical care)
Supports Blood Chemistry & Metabolic Markers
• May help support healthy fasting blood glucose levels
• May contribute to favorable HbA1c trends
• May support balanced lipid profiles
Supports Glycemic Regulation
• May help enhance insulin sensitivity
• May support skeletal muscle glucose uptake
• Emerging research explores support of pancreatic cellular function
Supports Cardiovascular & Vascular Health
• May support healthy blood pressure regulation
• May help mitigate factors associated with metabolic syndrome
• May support cardiac electrical stability
Supports Angiogenesis & Inflammatory Balance
• May support cerebral oxygenation and neurological health
• May support cardiovascular tissue oxygen delivery
• May help reduce risk factors associated with diabetic eye, nerve, and kidney complications
• May support the body’s response to soft-tissue infections such as cellulitis
Supports Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
• Supports epithelialization and tissue regeneration
• May assist the body’s ability to close chronic, non-healing wounds
• May support ulcer management when circulation is compromised
• May help reduce risk factors associated with lower-extremity amputation
Clinical Observations
Some studies have reported lower amputation rates in diabetic patients receiving HBOT as part of a comprehensive care plan, highlighting its role as a supportive, adjunctive therapy rather than a standalone treatment