FROM THE DIABETES COUNCIL
Diabetes is a medical condition that causes high blood sugar levels. It can lead to serious complications such as blindness, kidney disease, and heart disease. That’s why every day doctors are working hard to help curb the serious effects of diabetes with forwarding solutions.
While every solution may not be easy, Oxygen Therapy is one that may be proven to be revolutionary. Oxygen therapy is a diabetic treatment that uses oxygen in high concentrations to reduce the effects of diabetes and its symptoms. It’s additionally seen as one of the better treatments for diabetes due to its rocketing success.
But just how viable is oxygen therapy when it comes to treating diabetes?
How does oxygen therapy help diabetes?
Whether or not oxygen therapy helps diabetes has been debated for decades. Some researchers believe that it can significantly reduce blood sugar levels and cut down on episodes of hypoglycemia, which is when blood sugar levels are too low. Other studies have found that patients who suffer from insulin-dependent diabetes are more likely to experience an improvement in their condition after receiving oxygen therapy treatments.
Oxygen therapy is most often used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, which is an eye condition caused by high blood sugar levels. The condition results in blood vessels leaking fluid and blood into the retina.
So does oxygen therapy work in treating diabetes? It does, however, doctors still debate if it will become to go-to solution for people suffering from diabetes?
But why oxygen? Where do diabetes and oxygen connect?
Can diabetes cause a lack of oxygen?
Doctors are still exploring the link between diabetes and oxygen deprivation. Some research has shown that type 2 diabetes, which is a form of disease linked to obesity, may slow down circulation in blood vessels, which can affect how much oxygen gets to your organs. Scientists are looking at how this affects kidney function, amongst other things. That’s where oxygen therapy comes in.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
(HBOT) is an alternative treatment for diabetes. It can help control blood sugar levels and reduce diabetic symptoms by improving the delivery of oxygen to the cells in the body. It also helps in reducing oxidative stress on the body which leads to other diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Oxygen therapy for diabetes has been used since the early 20th century with mixed results. While oxygen therapy seems like the next best answer for treating patients with diabetes, more research needs to be done before it can be recommended as a standard treatment for diabetes.
The benefits of oxygen therapy for diabetes patients
Oxygen therapy has been used for a long time as a way to treat diabetes. It is known to help reduce the effects of diabetes and also prevent further complications.
The benefits of oxygen therapy include:
- Improving blood sugar levels
- Reducing insulin use
- Reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Lowering high blood pressure
- Lessening the chances of blindness and kidney disease
- Increasing energy levels
What is the main goal of oxygen therapy?
Oxygen therapy helps the body’s cells to use oxygen more efficiently. This can lead to a decrease in inflammation and an increase in energy. As evidenced this is very beneficial for patients struggling with the effects of diabetes.
Does using oxygen make your lungs weaker?
There is a lot of conflicting information out there about whether or not using oxygen can make your lungs weaker. Some say it’s true and others disagree. However, the most common belief is that the oxygen in the air we breathe doesn’t make our lungs weaker.
How to take care of yourself during hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions?
If you’re someone suffering from diabetes who is considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before the start of your treatment.
The most important thing to remember is that it is natural for your blood sugar levels to fluctuate during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session. It is also important to note that before your treatment, it may be a good idea to discuss with your doctor how you can regulate your blood sugar levels before, during, and after the treatment.
How often should you do hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions ranging from chronic wounds to brain injuries. It involves breathing pure oxygen in an environment with increased atmospheric pressure. While the treatment is relatively new, it has been found to be effective for many of these problems. The frequency of treatment ranges from once or twice per week to three times per day, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient.
For exact numbers on the number of treatments you might need for your diabetes, ask your doctor. Otherwise, all this information should be explained by your doctor before our treatments begin.
How to get oxygen therapy for diabetes at home
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a kind of oxygen therapy that has been used for a long time. This treatment has been proven to be an effective and safe way to treat diabetes.
While hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not available at home, there are other ways you can manage your diabetes at home. The number one way people manage their diabetes in the comfort of their homes is with a blood sugar monitoring system.
The first thing that you need to do is purchase a home blood glucose monitoring system. These systems are available at your local pharmacy or online stores like Amazon. The next step is installing the device and following the instructions carefully. After you have done this, you will be able to monitor your blood sugar levels at any time of the day, which will help you manage your diabetes better.
Can you get oxygen without a doctor’s prescription?
The answer is yes. If you have a breathing problem, you can get an oxygen tank to help your condition. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy will need to be approved by your doctor.
How much does home hyperbaric oxygen therapy cost?
Oxygen is an essential part of life, but it can be expensive to receive this therapy. While it’s hard to determine how much Hyperbaric oxygen therapy could cost you. Be sure to discuss your payment options with your doctor as well as your insurance to find the option that works best for you and your budget.
5 Essential steps in starting your oxygen therapy
- Find a doctor who is qualified to provide you with an oxygen prescription. You can find a qualified medical provider through your insurance company or by calling a location nearest to you.
- Find a medical supply company that offers diabetic oxygen therapy supplies.
- Consult your doctor about the type of equipment they recommend for you, and then order it from the medical supply company that you found in Step 2.
- Learn how to use your equipment correctly by reading the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the device, and following any training offered by your doctor or medical supply company before using it on yourself or someone else for the first time.
- Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor how well your treatment is working and make any necessary adjustments as needed
Common questions about hyperbaric oxygen therapy for diabetes
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a treatment for diabetes that has been proven effective. This therapy uses 100% oxygen while patients are in a pressurized room or chamber. The increased pressure and high-oxygen environment allow more oxygen to be delivered to the body’s cells, which can help reverse some of the effects of diabetes.
Does a hyperbaric chamber help cure diabetes?
A hyperbaric chamber isn’t a medical device. It doesn’t diagnose, prevent, or treat any disease. It may only be used in select cases to help someone with diabetes. Additionally, it can overall help reverse some of the effects of diabetes but it will not cure diabetes.
How do you increase oxygen levels in diabetes?
Diabetes can be a debilitating condition which is why it’s important to make sure your body is getting enough oxygen. There are a few ways you can increase the amount of oxygen in your body. You can take an oxygen pill, which releases extra dissolved oxygen in your stomach and intestines while you sit, sit up while eating or keep a window open when you sleep.
The next way is the Hyperbaric oxygen therapy procedure starts with a consultation with your physician about what type of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy you should undergo. There are two types: HBO2 and HBO3 (HBO2 is more common). For both types, you will be asked to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and earplugs before entering the chamber. You will also be asked not to eat or drink anything before entering the chamber.
What foods naturally increase oxygen in the blood?
Foods that increase oxygen in the blood are typically referred to as “oxygenating” foods. These foods include:
- Bananas
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Cereals
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Green tea
There are natural ways to increase your oxygen but the Hyperbaric oxygen therapy procedure seems to be the most effective.
So is Hyperbaric oxygen therapy the procedure you’re looking for? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been proven successful even though some doctors are still skeptical about the procedure and any side effects it may have on patients with diabetes.
Furthermore, a study from the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications found that people with diabetes who underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions had lower blood glucose levels than those who did not undergo this type of treatment.
Ultimately the decision to try Hyperbaric oxygen therapy comes down to you and your doctor. If you’re curious about using oxygen therapy as a treatment for your diabetes, ask your doctor about your options.