HEALTH DATA COLLECTION

Regardless of the type, diabetes is a frustrating and inconvenient disease to live with. But the complications can be extremely detrimental, and some are even fatal. Some of these symptoms are kidney and heart disease, nerve disease, blindness, impotence, and diabetic neuropathy. Under the worst conditions, some patients even have lower limbs amputated. While the effects of oxygen therapy and hyperbaric chambers for diabetic patients may not be preventative for diabetes itself, it can reduce the likelihood of the complications.

Internal wounds to the organs are most helped by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). HBOT replenishes the oxygen supply in the blood, so that the blood and plasma can carry more blood to the muscles and organs. Oxygen can heal almost any kind of wound by building up healthy new tissue at the wound site, and the pressurized oxygen inters the body to do just that. Some “topical” hyperbaric chambers are so small that they are meant to concentrate the pressurized oxygen on only one limb; others are traditional and meant for the patient to climb in, but are portable and can be used in the patient’s own home; others can only be used at a hospital, and some of these can accommodate up to four people at a time.

With increased oxygen levels, blood vessels function better as well. This, along with faster-healing tissue, is beneficial for a diabetic patient because some people are at risk for irradiated tissue and skin graft or flap compromise. Hyperbaric chambers also enable diabetics to be much less subject to infection of the tissue or wounds, which in turn makes any further complications much less likely. Infections can occur from street drugs or surgery, and people with diabetes are more susceptible because of weakened antibodies.

Results from tests on the reaction of diabetic patients with foot ulcers to hyperbaric chambers were very positive; the therapy was given for two weeks, and during that time the rate of healing was significantly improved. Hyperbaric chambers may also help diabetics with hypoglycemia, a common side effect that occurs when there is not enough glucose in the blood. Because the blood cannot deliver enough glucose to the brain, hypoglycemia can result in temporary unconsciousness or seizures. If these persist, a patient could suffer brain damage.

But hyperbaric chambers have been found to help people with autism and cerebral palsy, so why not those who have lasting brain damage from hypoglycemia? Most sources also say that HBOT can regulate blood flow in the cerebrum, which is weakened in patients with diabetes.

If left untreated for too long, diabetes and its connected complications can worsen and even be linked to subsequent stroke. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been able to prevent stroke and even significantly help people recovering from stroke. Though anyone interested in using a hyperbaric chamber for diabetes and any other ailment is encouraged to consult a doctor first, most hard studies have shown that the therapy is helpful in any stage of a disease.

By: Paul S Fitzgerald

If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you are probably a little overwhelmed and confused. Suddenly the way you live your life is going to have to change so that you can cope with this disease. And while that may seem uncomfortable and uncertain, it is very possible for you to live a normal, healthy life as someone living with diabetes. Contrary to what some people may believe, living with diabetes doesn’t necessary mean that you have to suddenly start consuming a strange diabetic diet or complicated meal plan. Living with diabetes successfully simply means that you must begin eating a wider variety of foods in smaller portions and establish more regular mealtimes.

The most successful diabetic diets are those that are high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which is really the key to a healthy diet for anyone, not just those that have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is also important to eat very consistently when you are on a diabetic diet, as your body’s response to a sudden overload of calories and fat will be to increase its blood sugar levels. Again, this type of moderate, consistent eating would benefit all types of people, not just those with diabetes, so in this way, you should think of your special diet as a healthy-eating plan, more than a lot of restrictions.

One of the first things to do when planning your meals on a diabetic diet is to establish a regular routing for when and how you will eat your meals, and create meal plan that will remind you to eat small amounts of the healthiest foods you can find at each meal. The better you can be at consuming consistent amounts of carbohydrates and calories each time you sit down to eat, the easier it will be to keep a handle on your blood sugar and your weight.

Remember that consuming a wide variety of healthy foods, like whole grains, fruits and vegetables is a good start to a healthy diet. Also, be sure to regularly consume lean proteins, like skinless chicken and fish that is high in Omega 3 fatty acids. These kinds of proteins will be the best for building muscle, and muscle cells are much better at absorbing the insulin that your body produces, or that you provide through medications.