Complementary therapy in diabetic patients with chronic complications: a pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical science
• Diabetology
• Oxidative stress research

Background:

• Oxidative stress and antioxidant dysregulation are key factors in diabetic complications.
• Diabetic foot ulcers are a common and serious complication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of polarized light (PL) therapy and antioxidant supplementation in managing type 2 diabetes complications.
• To assess the combined effect of PL and antioxidants on oxidative stress markers and cardiac function.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-nine diabetic patients were divided into three groups: PL therapy alone, antioxidant supplementation (CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E) alone, or combined PL and antioxidant therapy.
• Treatments were administered over three months, with assessments of plasma antioxidant concentrations, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and echocardiographic parameters.

Main Results:

• PL therapy increased plasma antioxidant levels and decreased LDH activity.
• Antioxidant supplementation reduced lipid peroxides, increased CoQ10, and improved cardiac function.
• Combined PL and antioxidant therapy significantly boosted plasma CoQ10 and alpha-tocopherol, reduced LDH, and improved left ventricular function.

Conclusions:

• Supportive therapy with PL and antioxidants (CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E) is effective for controlling type 2 diabetes complications.
• The combination therapy demonstrates a synergistic effect in improving cardiac function and reducing oxidative stress markers.