Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that involves a person breathing nearly pure oxygen in a specialized chamber, which may promote wound healing.

Due to this, it may help treat diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body processes blood glucose. If blood sugar levels are not under control, this can increase the risk of complications. Potential complications include problems with the feet due to the effects of diabetes on blood circulation, which can slow wound healing.

Researchers estimate that many people living with diabetes will experience a foot ulcer in their lifetime. They may require hospitalization due to complications.

In some cases, a doctor may consider suggesting HBOT. This treatment utilizes a special chamber in which a person breathes oxygen at higher air pressure levels than average to help fill the blood with sufficient oxygen, aiding in tissue repair. Although research is still ongoing, growing evidence indicates that HBOT may be beneficial for treating diabetic foot ulcers.

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Medical experts define HBOT as a treatment that involves an individual breathing approximately 100% oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber pressurized to a level greater than sea-level pressure. The term hyperbaric refers to a gas being at a pressure greater than the usual atmospheric pressure.

The body requires oxygen to function correctly. The air that people breathe typically contains 21% oxygen. HBOT involves breathing almost pure oxygen in a special room to help the lungs collect more of this gas. This treatment aims to increase blood oxygenation to help repair tissues and restore the body’s normal functioning. This extra oxygen can help reduce inflammation, eliminate infections, and promote wound healing.

During HBOT, a person enters a special room known as a hyperbaric chamber. Manufacturers specially design this chamber to contain air at approximately 1.5 to 3 times higher pressure than the air in the atmosphere at sea level. Some chambers can fit a single person, whereas others can accommodate multiple people simultaneously.

Some of the more common conditions that HBOT can treat include:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved HBOT for the treatment of 13 conditions, including diabetic foot ulcers. Around 15 to 25% of patients with diabetes mellitus may eventually develop a diabetic foot ulcer during their lifetime.

A 2025 study reported that HBOT was effective in:

  • improving ulcer healing rates
  • decreasing ulcer size and depth
  • reducing amputation rates

However, it is worth noting that doctors may not suggest HBOT until they classify the wound as a Wagner grade 2 or higher. This grading system uses a scale of 0–5 to indicate the extent of tissue damage and involvement. It is also worth noting that this particular study, which was a review, suggests that there may have been selection and performance biases influencing the study outcomes and recommends that further research is necessary.

During the natural wound healing process, the body utilizes oxygen to stimulate the growth and repair of new tissue. HBOT helps encourage the formation of new blood vessels around the wound area, and these supply the area with more oxygen. This influx of oxygen and other healing nutrients helps generate new, healthy tissue.

Although more research is still necessary, HBOT may provide an effective treatment option for severe diabetic foot ulcers. As such, doctors will likely only recommend this treatment for foot ulcers classified as Wagner grade 2 or higher. Individuals interested in HBOT can consult with a doctor to learn more about this treatment.

HBOT may provide several benefits for individuals managing diabetic foot ulcers. The primary benefit is that it can speed up the healing process. A quicker recovery time can help individuals living with diabetes regain the benefits of an active lifestyle and avoid complications related to foot ulcers.

In addition to promoting healing, this treatment can help reduce serious adverse events, such as amputation and wound infection, as well as improve the quality of life.

As with any medical procedure, HBOT carries certain risks. Some possible side effects associated with HBOT include:

Some people may experience other complications, such as hypoglycemia, during hyperbaric treatments. To avoid this, it is advisable to eat before treatments and to monitor blood glucose regularly during the appointment.

Individuals with claustrophobia may find that being within a hyperbaric chamber triggers their symptoms. Although manufacturers strive to design these chambers for maximum comfort, individuals who do not feel comfortable in small spaces should consult a doctor to prepare for an HBOT session.

However, most side effects are generally mild, and people can typically avoid them if the treatment lasts less than 2 hours and the pressure in the chamber is less than three times the typical pressure.

It is essential to receive HBOT only from board certified and trained medical staff to minimize the risk of complications.

Although healing diabetic foot ulcers is likely the most well-known benefit of HBOT in diabetes, this treatment may also help with other diabetes symptoms, such as:

Blood sugar levels

Some people with diabetes may find it difficult to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Extremely high or low blood sugar can have serious health consequences.

A 2024 study notes that for individuals living with type 2 diabetes, regular HBOT sessions may help improve glucose tolerance and blood sugar levels. The reason for this is that HBOT can cause people’s blood sugar to drop.

Retinopathy

Another potential complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. This refers to damage to blood vessels in the eye that can result in vision problems.

The American Academy of Opthalmology suggests that HBOT may help prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Although more research investigating its potential benefits is necessary, HBOT may offer another treatment option to help manage eye health in those living with diabetes.

An untreated diabetic foot ulcer can cause severe damage to the foot, which may require amputation. However, the condition is preventable, and timely treatment can help minimize the risk of permanent damage.

Typically, prevention and treatment options include:

  • controlling blood glucose and attending regular checkups with a diabetes healthcare team
  • exercising regularly and eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet
  • stopping smoking
  • undergoing debridement, which involves cleaning the wound and removing dead tissue
  • taking antibiotics to help treat infections
  • relieving pressure from the ulcerated areas using appropriate footwear, braces, crutches, or a wheelchair
  • using other treatments to promote wound healing, such as saline, growth factors, ulcer dressings, and skin substitutes

Treatment for diabetic foot ulcers include:

  • dressing wounds
  • antibiotics
  • reducing pressure on the foot
  • surgery
  • amputation for severe cases

A person with diabetes should avoid:

  • walking barefoot
  • smoking
  • severe injury to the feet

Complications of HBOT include:

  • ear trauma
  • oxygen toxicity
  • issues with sinuses

A diabetic foot ulcer is a potential complication of diabetes. It occurs when elevated blood sugar levels affect blood circulation in the feet, which can slow wound healing. In addition to controlling blood glucose, a doctor may suggest HBOT to help treat severe diabetic foot ulcers.

The FDA approves the use of HBOT to treat nonhealing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers. The procedure involves a person entering a pressurized room and breathing almost pure oxygen. This increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, thereby boosting oxygen flow to the wound and promoting healing.

Although more research is still necessary, growing evidence suggests that HBOT is effective in treating diabetic foot ulcers.