Significant Decrease in Glycated Hemoglobin, 2h-Post-Load Glucose and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Abnormal body mass index (BMI) is associated with metabolic dysfunction, including insulin resistance and inflammation.
• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a therapeutic technique that aims to improve lymphatic circulation.
• The potential impact of MLD on metabolic parameters in individuals with abnormal BMI requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of MLD on insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide, insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour post-load glucose (2h-PG), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).
• To assess these effects in patients with normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

Main Methods:

• Thirty patients were divided into normal weight, overweight, and obese groups.
• Each participant received 10 sessions of MLD therapy over approximately 3 weeks.
• Biochemical markers and body composition (BMI, WHR, visceral adipose tissue) were measured before and after MLD intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were found between C-peptide, HOMA-IR, BMI, and visceral adipose tissue before and after MLD.
• Overweight patients showed significant reductions in hsCRP and 2h-PG levels post-MLD.
• Obese patients exhibited a significant decrease in HbA1c levels following MLD therapy.

Conclusions:

• MLD therapy demonstrated a positive influence on selected biochemical parameters in patients with abnormal BMI.
• The most favorable changes were observed in overweight individuals, suggesting MLD's potential as an adjunct therapy.
• Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to confirm these findings and explore the clinical benefits and mechanisms of MLD.