Horizon Prime Hospital - Thane

Horizon Prime Hospital Introduces Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy an effective treatment option for severe diabetic foot ulcers
India is often referred to as the ‘Diabetes Capital of the World as it accounts for 17 percent of the total number of diabetes patients in the world. Out of 62 million diabetics in India, 25% develop Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU), of which 50% become infected, requiring hospitalization while 20% need amputation. In India, more people with diabetes are having their toes or even feet removed due to sores than the former estimates, a study by Christian Medical College, Vellore, has found. It also found that after one amputation, the chance of having another in the future is three times higher. Characterised by increased blood sugar levels, the lifestyle condition — which can be managed by following a healthy diet and fitness regimen — can lead to kidney problems, heart ailments, and even vision-related issues.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, especially if a person has difficulty managing blood sugar levels. This can lead to foot ulcers, blisters, pain, and foot infections .However, did you know that one out of 10 diabetic patients develop diabetic foot complications? As out of these, 90 percent of cases are neuropathic and painless, hence patients are reluctant to see a specialist. When a complication sets in, a non-healing ulcer turns into gangrene — with amputation being the only treatment option. In some cases, the damage can be severe. Infections in the feet can spread, damaging other organs and even becoming life threatening. Severe foot infections may mean a doctor has to amputate the foot. While most people with diabetes do not develop severe foot complications, diabetes remains a leading cause of amputations”.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya further said “At Horizon Prime Hospital, we have introduced a new add-on treatment option called Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) that provide several benefits for individuals dealing with 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 that relate to foot ulcers.”

Dr Gagandeep Bhanot, India’s Leading Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Consultant and Consultant Horizon Prime Hospital said “HBOT is a treatment option where a person is breathing almost pure oxygen in a special room or small chamber. Evidence suggests that HBOT has a variety of applications, including the promotion of wound healing. Due to this, it may help treat diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetes is a condition that affects 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. This treatment uses a special chamber in which a person breathes in oxygen at higher air pressure levels than average to help fill the blood with enough oxygen to aid with repairing tissue. HBOT is extremely beneficial in treating diabetic foot ulcers”.

Dr Manoj Naik, Leading Diabetologist and Consultant Horizon Prime Hospital said “Diabetic patients are highly susceptible to foot complications due to neuropathy and poor circulation, which can result in infections and delayed wound healing. Even minor injuries can escalate into serious issues like foot ulcers and gangrene, often appearing within the first year of diagnosis. These complications are amongst the leading causes of lower limb amputations in diabetics”.

Dr Ankit Biyani, Leading Diabetologist and Consultant Horizon Prime Hospital said “Statistics show that around 140,000 major amputations occur annually, and over 1.4 million minor and major amputations take place across India, with up to 80% of these cases being preventable through timely and specialised intervention. The statistics emphasise the need for greater awareness and proactive foot care to prevent these issues. Regular check-ups, are equally important for managing diabetic foot health”.

Nerve damage (neuropathy) can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness, while poor blood flow, or peripheral arterial disease, results in cold feet, leg pain while walking, and slow healing of cuts or sores. Foot ulcers, characterised by non-healing wounds and drainage, frequently lead to infections. Additionally, foot deformities like Charcot foot and bunions further complicate mobility, heightening the risk of severe complications. Diabetic patients should closely monitor their feet for the above-mentioned symptoms and seek medical attention at the earliest signs of trouble. Custom footwear or insoles are crucial for managing diabetic foot conditions, as they help reduce pressure on vulnerable areas and prevent ulcers.

Symptoms

• Foot symptoms of diabetes vary from person to person
• loss of feeling
• numbness or tingling
• blisters or other wounds without pain
• skin discoloration and temperature changes
• red streaks
• wounds with or without drainage
• painful tingling
• staining on socks