Outcome
The findings from this study underscore the potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in improving insulin sensitivity in both overweight/obese males with and without type 2 diabetes. The increase in insulin sensitivity measured by the glucose infusion rate was observed during the third HBOT session and maintained for at least 30 minutes post-treatment.
Introduction
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has garnered attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits in a variety of medical conditions. This study investigated the impact of HBOT on peripheral insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese males both with and without type 2 diabetes. Through multiple HBOT sessions researchers aimed to uncover whether this therapy could enhance insulin sensitivity and identify any associated changes in inflammatory markers. The results were promising; significant improvements in insulin sensitivity were observed during the third HBOT session and sustained for at least 30 minutes post-treatment. Additionally HBOT prompted a reduction in inflammation markers MCP-1 and TNF-α across all participants while IL-6 levels rose in non-diabetic individuals and correlated with improved insulin sensitivity. These findings present HBOT as a potential strategy for managing insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels offering a novel approach to treatment for metabolic conditions tied to obesity and diabetes.
Results
The study demonstrated significant improvements in peripheral insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese males both with and without type 2 diabetes following hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). In non-diabetic participants there was an increase in peripheral insulin sensitivity by 29±32% (n=10 P=0.01) during the third session while in those with type 2 diabetes the increase was more substantial at 57±66% (n=7 P=0.04). These enhanced insulin sensitivity levels were sustained for at least 30 minutes post-treatment.
Additionally the research indicated significant changes in inflammatory biomarkers post-HBOT. Both monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels decreased in all participants suggesting a reduction in inflammation. In non-diabetic individuals interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels increased and this rise was significantly correlated with the observed gains in insulin sensitivity (r²=0.72 P=0.004).
These results underscore the therapeutic potential of HBOT for enhancing insulin sensitivity and regulating blood sugar levels in overweight and obese individuals irrespective of diabetic status. The concomitant reduction in specific inflammatory markers points to a promising connection between decreased inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity suggesting that modulation of the inflammatory response might be a key mechanism driving these benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion the findings from this study underscore the promising potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in enhancing insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese males both with and without type 2 diabetes. The observed improvement starting from the third HBOT session and sustained for at least 30 minutes post-treatment indicates a significant therapeutic effect. Notably individuals with type 2 diabetes exhibited a more pronounced increase in insulin sensitivity compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. The reduction in MCP-1 and TNF-α levels across all participants along with the positive correlation between increased IL-6 and insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic individuals suggests a pivotal role for inflammation modulation in these metabolic benefits. These results suggest that HBOT may offer a viable intervention for managing insulin resistance and inflammation in obese and overweight individuals. Future research should focus on the long-term efficacy and broader clinical applications of HBOT in metabolic health and diabetes management.