Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Improves Postprandial Hyperglycemia

Glucose is a very important nutrient utilised by the body mainly to produce energy. It is critical to maintain blood glucose within normal levels, as uncontrolled hyperglycaemia has detrimental effects on health and function. Insulin and glucagon play key roles for maintaining normal plasma glucose levels. Insulin is manufactured by the β-cells in the pancreas, and by binding to specific receptors enables glucose, present in the bloodstream, to enter muscle, liver and fat cells, where it is used to produce energy. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which glucose metabolism is impaired. In type 2 diabetes patients, the body’s inability to control blood glucose results from increased insulin resistance, decreased insulin production or a combination of these factors.

Postprandial hyperglycaemia is an independent and dominant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality in type 2 diabetes. Moreover, postprandial hyperglycaemia leads to the development of other complications, including nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. In contrast, it has been shown that control of postprandial blood glucose level is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction and cerebral vascular disease. Therefore, it is extremely important to treat postprandial hyperglycaemia, as it helps prevent type 2 diabetes complications.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a technique involving the delivery of exogenous electrical impulses that stimulate the motor nerves resulting in muscular contraction. The application of NMES has been shown to bring about important health and fitness related benefits, analogous to those associated with volitional exercise. A study evaluated the effects of NMES on different variables, including postprandial blood glucose, serum insulin and C-peptide levels. These tests were performed prior to and after the consumptions of a standardised meal, which was followed by a 30 minutes NMES session. The whole procedure was repeated one week after. Type 2 diabetes sedentary patients participated in the study, and took their medications as usual.

The results showed that following each session of NMES, postprandial blood glucose and C-peptide levels were significantly lower compared with control. Maintaining a healthy weight, improving the diet and increasing physical activity are important factors for ameliorating postprandial hyperglycaemia and glucose metabolism, in type 2 diabetes patients. The inclusion of NMES within the interventions can help combat postprandial hyperglycaemia and reduce the risk of complications associated with it.

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