Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Hyperbarics: Life-saving technology for divers to diabetics

WEEKEND EDITION: Oct. 26, 2002

For 30 years Las Vegan Marvin Krasner, 71, was a textbook diabetic, the kind who flies in the face of today's aggressive battlers of the disease.

He rarely exercised, ate the wrong foods and pretty much allowed the incurable disease that suppresses the body's ability to break down sugars to control his life.

Last year Krasner lost a toe to what began as a minor infection, which is common among diabetics. And when the wound from that operation did not heal, as also is common for diabetics, he faced a below-the-knee amputation.

But because of modern advancements in treatment, Krasner got lucky. Just days before his scheduled limb removal last December, Dr. John Thompson used a little known but burgeoning treatment called hyperbarics -- pressurized oxygen therapy -- and the wound began to close.

"It was such a challenging wound -- deep to the bone -- that I initially thought it was possible Marvin still would have to go through with the operation," said Thompson, director of Desert Hyperbarics in Henderson.

"Hyperbarics is not a cure-all. And we want to prevent diabetes from getting that far out of control. But when it does, hyperbarics is an option."

After 40 90-minute treatments this year in the hyperbarics chamber -- a glass body tube or a larger metal chamber to treat several patients at one time -- Krasner today walks on his own legs with the help of a cane.

Since 1976, hyperbarics, which was traditionally used to treat the deep sea divers' disease called the bends, has been used to treat diabetes, head injuries, cerebral palsy, crush injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, bone infections and other ailments. It is approved by both the American Medical Association and the Food and Drug Administration and is covered by a number of insurance plans.

"It has been a very long battle, and I am so indebted to Dr. Thompson and hyperbarics," said Marlene Krasner, Marvin's wife of 47 years. "They saved my husband's leg. I don't think many people know what hyperbarics is. But I believe more people should know about it."

Pat Klepzig, executive director of the American Diabetes Association Nevada Affiliate, said hyperbarics treatment "is a wonderful option" for some diabetics.

"It is popular in California," she said. "We are focusing on efforts to prevent diabetes from getting out of control and to the point where hyperbarics treatment becomes necessary. But for those who need it, it is a valuable resource in the fight against amputations from diabetes."

October is National Diabetes Month. To raise awareness of the disease that afflicts nearly 17 million Americans, the premier First America's Walk for Diabetes is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday at Sunset Park.

Marvin Krasner, whose younger brother, Woody, died from complications of diabetes a week after losing a leg, said when he was diagnosed with diabetes in the 1970s there were no such fund-raisers or treatments like hyperbarics.

"I wouldn't have walked anyway," said Marvin, who despite what he has gone through remains apathetic and admits he depends heavily upon his wife to make sure he takes better care of himself.

When told he would have to lay in a small chamber for the hyperbarics treatment, Krasner said he didn't mind because he was a Navy veteran of the Korean War who had served aboard submarines.

"I certainly was not claustrophobic," he said, noting the harder part was quitting smoking and taking his vitamins and other supplements after treatment.

Thompson said supplements such as vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and protein are essential in preventing future similar complications.

Thompson said hyperbarics treatment, which could cost between $7,000 and $15,000 before insurance, sends oxygen into the deep recesses of the body. Often diabetics have poor circulation that prevents wounds from properly healing. The pressurized oxygen speeds up that process and promotes healing.

Currently diabetics make up just a small percentage of Thompson's business.

Thompson notes that because there are a number of older diabetics who long practiced poor health habits and because millions of Americans today have the disease but do not know it, he figures his business will expand with treatment of diabetics before today's education efforts pay off.

As part of her education efforts, Klepzig has been pushing for diabetics to join Sunday's three-mile walk around the lake at Sunset Park, which is expected to raise $25,000. Walking is considered excellent therapy for diabetics because it increases the heart rate and promotes good blood circulation, she said.

Clare Rosenfeld of Oregon, the ADA's National Youth Advocate, is scheduled to address the walkers during the pre-event activities, which include an 8 a.m. pancake breakfast -- with sugar-free syrup -- by Lions Club International.

"It is an honor for us to have her here because Clare has spoken to the president about obtaining more funding for research and has testified before Congress on the issues of diabetes among youth and adults," Klepzig said.

"At issue is getting Americans tested for diabetes because, when discovered early, it can be controlled through medication, diet and exercise. Diabetics can live long and healthier lives."

Each year diabetes kills more people in the United States than AIDS or breast cancer, according to ADA statistics, which estimate that 180,000 Americans will die from diabetes complications this year.

Klepzig said it is estimated that one-third of people who have diabetes do not know they are afflicted because they have not gotten a simple blood test. Left untreated, diabetes also can lead to heart problems and blindness.

Sunday's walk begins with an 8 a.m. registration at Sunset Park. Gifts for participants include commemorative T-shirts for raising $100 to a DVD player for raising more than $2,500.

The ADA, which has operated locally for 13 years, says it will spend 78 cents of every dollar raised for research, advocacy and public awareness, and 22 cents of every dollar raised to cover administrative and fund-raising costs.

The walk is sponsored by a number of local health organizations, including the Diabetes Treatment Center of Desert Springs Hospital, Lake Mead Hospital and Health Plan of Nevada.

Marlene Krasner lauds programs like the diabetes walk because she does not want other spouses of diabetics to go through what she has, including cleaning out wounds. She also gives Marvin his insulin shots and frets about his health.

"This is an excellent way to get the message out to let people know about the programs and treatments that can help diabetics," she said.

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