Induction and maintenance of remission of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in repeated courses of hyperbaric oxygenation

Abstract

The efficacy of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) is studied in diabetics with newly detected or lasting for less than 1 year disease. The possibility of inducing and/or prolonging diabetes remission by HBO and the efficacy of repeated courses of HBO are evaluated. Fifty-three patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) (28 men and 25 women) aged 15-39 years, suffering from the disease for up to 12 month without apparent complications, were administered intensive insulin therapy with human insulin preparations and 10-day HBO courses. HBO courses repeated every 4 months promoted compensation of carbohydrate metabolism by stimulating residual insulin secretion in patients with IDDM lasting for up to one year, the effect of HBO progressively decreasing with each course. Manifest positive effect of HBO persisted for 2 months. After the first course of HBO, remission of IDDM ensued in 41.5% cases. Patients aged over 25 years with intact insulin secretion on an empty stomach were more disposed to remission. Remissions were equally incident in patients with diabetes duration of up to 6 months and in those with diabetes duration of 6-12 months. A history of ketoacidotic coma episodes does not rule out the induction of a remission.