Diabetes Metab J.  2015 Jun;39(3):264-267. 10.4093/dmj.2015.39.3.264.

Effect of Low Frequency Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Glucose Profile of Persons with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

• Jabbour G
• Belliveau
• Probizanski D
• Newhouse I
• McAuliffe
• Jakobi J
• Johnson M

• KMID: 2281540
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2015.39.3.264

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on glucose profile in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Eight persons with T2DM (41 to 65 years) completed a glucose tolerance test with and without NMES delivered to the knee extensors for a 1-hour period at 8 Hz. Three blood samples were collected: at rest, and then 60 and 120 minutes after consumption of a glucose load on the NMES and control days. In NMES groups glucose concentrations were significantly lower (P<0.01) than in the control conditions. Moreover, a significant positive correlation (r=0.9, P<0.01) was obtained between the intensity of stimulation and changes in blood glucose. Our results suggest that low-frequency stimulation seem suitable to induce enhance glucose uptake in persons with T2DM. Moreover, the intensity of stimulation reflecting the motor contraction should be considered during NMES procedure.

Keyword

Electrical stimulation; Diabetes; Glucose regulation

MeSH Terms

Blood Glucose
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Electric Stimulation*
Glucose Tolerance Test
Glucose*
Humans
Knee
Pilot Projects*
Blood Glucose
Glucose

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Blood glucose concentration (glucose) in neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and in control groups: 0 minute, fasting blood glucose; 60 and 120 minutes, blood samples collected 60 and 120 minutes after consumption of the glucose load. aSignificant difference with NMES P<0.01, bSignificant difference with 0 minute P<0.01.

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