Effect of percutaneous electrical muscle stimulation on postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes

AimsThe aim of this study was to examine whether percutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) attenuates postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes.MethodsEleven patients with type 2 diabetes participated in two experimental sessions; one was a 30-min EMS 30 min after a breakfast (EMS trial) and the other was a complete rest after a breakfast (Control trial). In each trial, blood was sampled before and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after the meal.ResultsPostprandial glucose level was significantly attenuated in EMS trial at 60, 90, and 120 min after a meal (p < 0.05). The C-peptide concentration was also significantly lowered in EMS trial (p < 0.01). On the other hand, there was no significant increase in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) concentration in each trial.ConclusionsThe present results provide first evidence indicating that EMS is a new exercise method for treating postprandial hyperglycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes, especially who cannot perform adequate voluntary exercise because of excessive obesity, orthopedic diseases, or severe diabetic complications.