The effect of leg hyperthermia using far infrared rays in bedridden subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
March 11, 2025
The study “The Effect of Leg Hyperthermia Using Far Infrared Rays in Bedridden Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” looked at how far infrared therapy can help reduce oxidative stress in people with type 2 diabetes who are unable to move much, like those who are bedridden after a stroke. The research, led by Akihiko Kawaura and his team, involved four patients who received 15-minute sessions of infrared heat on their legs over a two-week period. The researchers measured several health markers before and after the treatment, including blood sugar levels and signs of oxidative stress, which is a type of damage caused by free radicals in the body. The results showed that while blood sugar levels didn’t change much, the infrared therapy reduced oxidative stress significantly, suggesting it may help protect against this damage in people with diabetes.
These findings suggest that infrared therapy, similar to what is used in infrared saunas, could benefit people with diabetes, especially by reducing harmful oxidative stress. While the study didn’t show big changes in blood sugar or other key metabolic markers, the decrease in oxidative stress could still help prevent complications from diabetes. This research adds to the growing evidence that infrared heat can be a useful, non-invasive treatment for managing diabetes, especially for those who have limited mobility or are bedridden.
