Which mechanism best describes how hyperbaric oxygen therapy benefits diabetic foot ulcers?

• A. Increases tissue edema
• B. Increases tissue oxygenation and leukocyte activity
• C. Decreases blood glucose levels
• D. Increases scar tissue formation

Answer: (B)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps diabetic foot ulcers mainly by delivering very high levels of oxygen to tissue that’s been deprived of it. That extra dissolved oxygen raises tissue PO2, which empowers immune cells to work more effectively—neutrophils kill bacteria and clear infection more efficiently. At the same time, the elevated oxygen supports wound-healing processes such as fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis, and new blood vessel formation, all of which promote closure of the ulcer. Additionally, the hyperoxic environment can reduce edema in the affected area, even though edema reduction itself isn’t the primary goal. HBOT does not directly lower blood glucose, nor is increasing scar tissue formation the main mechanism; the key benefit is improved tissue oxygenation that enhances leukocyte function and healing in hypoxic wounds.