How effective is hyperbaric oxygen therapy in elderly patients with diabetes?

Very: Hyperbaric oxygen has been found to be very effective in management of diabetic ulcers resistant to conservative treatment. It is very expensive, requires usually, about 40 sessions, but is paid for by medicare. Not all people can tolerate a session, as it is similar to going scuba diving in feeling as well as actual pressure in the body.

Effective: It is not first line therapy. Control of blood sugars and infection is primary. Additionally, studies should be done to evaluate blood flow to rule out correctable blockages. Hyperbaric therapy is an adjunct when all correctable factors have been addressed. However, it expensive and time intensive.

Yes. No. Maybe.: While hyperbaric oxygen therapy (hbot) is a great treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, it only works as an adjunct. You have to control the diabetes, restore as much blood flow as possible, perform standard wound care, and "do all the other stuff right, " first. Age is not an obstacle, but hbot will not do any good if the diabetic patient does not have an ulcer (i.e., a wound or break in the skin).