What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases insulin sensitivity in overweight men, both with and without type 2 diabetes, and explored the underlying mechanisms.
What They Found
In response to HBOT, the glucose infusion rate (GIR) increased by 29±32% in participants without type 2 diabetes (n=10, P=0.01) and by 57±66% in those with type 2 diabetes (n=7, P=0.04). This improvement in insulin sensitivity was maintained for 30 minutes post-HBOT. Additionally, reduced levels of monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were observed after HBOT.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada or by Canadian researchers.
Study Limitations
The study was limited by its small sample size of overweight male participants and the short duration of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy intervention.