Hyperbaric oxygen but not hyperbaric air increases insulin sensitivity in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus

We have previously shown that hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) increased insulin sensitivity in men who were obese or overweight, both with and without type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to test whether this insulin-sensitising effect is seen in hyperbaric air (HA).

Men with type 2 diabetes who were obese or overweight were randomised to two groups: HBOT (n = 13) or HA (n = 11). A hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic glucose clamp (80 mU·m^-2·min^-1) was performed at baseline and during hyperbaric intervention. Both groups were compressed to 203 kPa (two atmospheres absolute) for 90 minutes followed by a linear 30-minute decompression. The HBOT group breathed oxygen via a hood while the HA group breathed chamber air. Insulin sensitivity was assessed from the glucose infusion rate (GIR) during the last 30 minutes in the hyperbaric chamber (SS1) and the first 30 minutes after exit (SS2). Data were analysed for within-group effect by paired student t-test and between-group effect by one-way ANOVA.

HBOT increased GIR by a mean 26% at SS1 (P = 0.04) and 23% at SS2 (P = 0.018). There was no significant change in GIR during or after HA. A between-group effect was evident for the change in GIR at SS1 in HBOT vs HA (P = 0.036).

The pathway by which insulin sensitivity is increased in men with type 2 diabetes requires the high oxygen partial pressures of HBOT and should be further investigated. Insulin sensitivity was not changed in hyperbaric air.