Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) improves biomarkers of glycemic control in patients with non-insulin-dependent type II diabetes mellitus for up to 3months following treatment.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential clinical benefits of EECP on glycemic parameters [fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial glucose (PPG120), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)] in patients with a clinical diagnosis of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thirty subjects (60.7±1.9years) with T2DM were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to receive either 35 1-h sessions of EECP (n=20) or time-matched control of standard care (n=10). FPG, PPG120, and HbA1c were evaluated before and at 48h, 2weeks, 3 and 6months following EECP treatment or time-matched control. EECP significantly decreased FPG (-14.6 and -12.0%), PPG120 (-14.6 and -13.5%), and HbA1c (-11.5 and -19.6%) 48h following EECP and 2weeks following EECP, respectively. HbA1c remained significantly reduced at 3months following EECP (-14.3%). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (-31.1%) and whole-body composite insulin sensitivity index (+54.2%) were significantly improved 48h following EECP. Nitrite/nitrate (NO x ) was significantly increased 48h following EECP (+48.4%) and 2weeks (+51.9%) following EECP treatment. Our findings provide novel evidence that EECP improves glycemic control in patients with T2DM that persist for up to 3months following treatment.