What Researchers Did
Researchers ran a randomized controlled trial in 23 type 2 diabetes patients comparing standard treatment versus intrapancreatic stem cell infusion combined with HBOT (10 sessions before and 10 after infusion).
What They Found
HbA1c was significantly lower in the combined treatment group at all time points up to one year. Fasting glucose was lower, C-peptide levels were significantly higher (1.9 vs 0.7 ng/mL at 1 year, p = 0.002), and insulin requirements were significantly reduced throughout follow-up.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This small RCT suggests HBOT can enhance the metabolic benefits of stem cell therapy for type 2 diabetes -- a condition affecting millions of Canadians. While not a standard treatment, it suggests HBOT may play a supporting role in regenerative diabetes therapies being explored in Canadian research centers.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The trial had only 23 patients and combined two experimental therapies, making it impossible to determine the independent contribution of HBOT; results need replication in larger trials.