Investigating the Metabolic Benefits of Magnetic Mitohormesis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background/Objectives: Exercise is a key pillar in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but adherence rates to physical activity are poor. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, termed magnetic mitohormesis (MM), has been shown in preclinical and early human studies to mimic the metabolic benefits of exercise without physical strain. However, its effects on glycemic control remain unknown. We evaluate the metabolic benefits of MM in patients with suboptimally-controlled T2DM. Methods: An exploratory study was conducted in 40 adults with T2DM (glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c 7.0-10.0%). MM treatment comprised 12 sessions organized weekly, where low-dose PEMF was delivered to alternate legs for 10 min per visit. Metabolic assessments-anthropometry, HbA1c, fasting glucose and insulin resistance (measured by Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance, HOMA-IR)-were measured at baseline and post-treatment. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare the effects of MM on patients with and without central obesity (defined as waist-to-hip ratio ≥ 1.0). Results: Participants had a mean age of 59.4 years and HbA1c of 8.1%. MM treatment was well tolerated with no adverse events, and 77.5% of patients completed all 12 sessions. There were no significant changes in HbA1c, fasting glucose or HOMA-IR for the overall cohort. However, in patients with central obesity, 88.9% showed a reduction in HbA1c post-treatment compared to 32.3% without central obesity (p < 0.01), and mean HbA1c decreased from 7.5% to 7.1% (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that MM is safe and well-tolerated in T2DM patients and may confer a preferential benefit for individuals with greater central obesity.