What Researchers Did
Researchers compared finger-prick capillary glucose measurements to venous glucose measurements in four diabetic patients before, during, and after hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT).
What They Found
The relationship between venous and finger-prick glucose was significantly altered by HBOT. During HBOT, finger-prick glucose measurements showed a significant negative bias compared to venous samples, suggesting they were lower. Although the small sample size of four patients meant limits of agreement straddled zero, finger measurements appeared higher than venous on room air and lower during HBOT.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with diabetes undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) should be aware that their finger-prick glucose readings might not accurately reflect their true blood glucose levels. This inaccuracy could potentially affect treatment decisions and glucose management during and immediately after HBOT sessions.
Canadian Relevance
This pilot study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A significant limitation of this pilot study was its very small sample size of only four patients.