The study “The Restorative Effects of Pulsed Infrared Light Therapy on Significant Loss of Peripheral Protective Sensation in Patients with Long-Term Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” looked at how pulsed infrared light therapy (PILT) can help people with diabetes regain feeling in their feet, a condition known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN is a common problem for people with long-term diabetes, causing a loss of feeling in the feet, which can lead to injuries and other complications. In this study, 22 participants with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes received PILT treatment three times a week for eight weeks. One foot was treated, while the other foot was left untreated as a comparison. The results showed that the treated feet had significant improvement in sensation, even in patients who had lost feeling for many years.
The researchers believe that PILT may work by improving blood flow to the feet, which helps with healing and sensation. Though the exact way it works is not fully understood, they think the infrared light may boost the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. This study is important because it suggests that infrared light therapy, like the kind used in infrared saunas, could be a helpful treatment for people with diabetes to prevent further nerve damage and improve quality of life. The findings add to growing evidence that non-invasive treatments can help manage symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
