BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study was aimed at the development of a novel noninvasive treatment system, "pinpoint plantar long-wavelength infrared light irradiation (PP-LILI)", which may be able to relieve mental stress and normalize blood glucose level via the reduction of stress hormones in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. MATERIALS (SUBJECTS) AND METHODS: Based on this hypothesis, the present study was undertaken to examine effects of PP-LILI on stress hormones (ACTH and cortisol), blood glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels in 10 patients with type 2 DM. Each patient received PP-LILI of the foot for 15 minutes once weekly using a stress free apparatus (infrared wavelength, 9,000-12,000 nm/power 30 mW). RESULTS: In response to this therapy, ACTH (P<0.01) and cortisol (P<0.05) levels decreased significantly. Fasting blood glucose (P<0.05) and insulin (P<0.05) levels also decreased significantly along with a tendency for HbA1c to decrease. CONCLUSIONS: The present data raise the possibility that PP-LILI can normalize blood glucose levels by reducing stress hormones such as cortisol, which aggravate DM, and by improving insulin sensitivity, thereby contributing to prevention and treatment of DM.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study was aimed at the development of a novel noninvasive treatment system, "pinpoint plantar long-wavelength infrared light irradiation (PP-LILI)", which may be able to relieve mental stress and normalize blood glucose level via the reduction of stress hormones in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. MATERIALS (SUBJECTS) AND METHODS: Based on this hypothesis, the present study was undertaken to examine effects of PP-LILI on stress hormones (ACTH and cortisol), blood glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels in 10 patients with type 2 DM. Each patient received PP-LILI of the foot for 15 minutes once weekly using a stress free apparatus (infrared wavelength, 9,000-12,000 nm/power 30 mW). RESULTS: In response to this therapy, ACTH (P<0.01) and cortisol (P<0.05) levels decreased significantly. Fasting blood glucose (P<0.05) and insulin (P<0.05) levels also decreased significantly along with a tendency for HbA1c to decrease. CONCLUSIONS: The present data raise the possibility that PP-LILI can normalize blood glucose levels by reducing stress hormones such as cortisol, which aggravate DM, and by improving insulin sensitivity, thereby contributing to prevention and treatment of DM.
Authors: Robert C Andrews; Olive Herlihy; Dawn E W Livingstone; Ruth Andrew; Brian R Walker Journal: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Date: 2002-12 Impact factor: 5.958