What Researchers Did
Researchers pooled data from 14 randomized controlled trials (1,323 patients total) to measure whether adding HBOT to standard diabetes care improves nerve function in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
What They Found
The HBOT group had a significantly higher overall treatment response rate compared to standard therapy alone (p < 0.001). HBOT improved nerve conduction speed in multiple nerves, median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial, for both motor and sensory signals. Only 6 adverse events were reported in the HBOT group, with no significant safety difference between groups.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
More than 3 million Canadians live with diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy is one of its most common and debilitating complications, causing pain, numbness, and fall risk. This meta-analysis suggests that adding HBOT sessions to standard diabetes management could meaningfully improve nerve function, which could reduce pain and disability.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. Diabetic foot ulcers are an OHIP-covered HBOT indication in Ontario, and DPN is closely linked to that condition.
Study Limitations
The included trials relied heavily on Chinese databases, and publication bias was detected in some outcome measures, which may overestimate the benefit.