Ozone Therapy in Diabetes: Potential Benefits and an Alternative Approach
Living with diabetes requires constant effort to maintain blood sugar balance and prevent complications. Many people facing this challenge may also seek information about alternative treatment methods. One such method that has been gaining attention in recent years is ozone therapy. So, what exactly is ozone therapy, and how might it benefit people with diabetes? In this article, we will explore the potential effects of ozone therapy in diabetes and the points to consider.
What is Ozone Therapy?
Ozone is a powerful gas made up of three oxygen atoms. Ozone therapy refers to the controlled medical use of this gas. Medical ozone is administered to the body in specific doses and safe methods; for example, a patient’s blood can be ozonated and then reintroduced into circulation, or it can be applied to wounds using special bags. The goal is to increase the body’s oxygen levels, stimulate the immune system, and accelerate healing.
Diabetes and Ozone Therapy: How Does It Work?
Diabetes disrupts the body’s ability to use blood sugar effectively and can damage blood vessels and nerves over time. Poor circulation and low oxygenation make it harder for tissues to get the nutrients they need — for example, wounds heal slowly for this reason. Diabetes also increases oxidative stress, which involves harmful molecules that act like “rust” on cells. This is where ozone therapy may help alleviate some of the problems caused by diabetes.
Ozone increases blood circulation and the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues, and it enhances the ability of red blood cells to release oxygen. As a result, organs and tissues receive more oxygen, cells produce energy more efficiently, and metabolism functions more effectively.
In addition, ozone therapy is believed by some experts to create a metabolic effect similar to that of intense exercise in people with diabetes. Ozone may improve the cells’ ability to absorb and utilize glucose, thus contributing to lower blood sugar levels. Furthermore, it stimulates the body’s antioxidant production, helping to balance oxidative stress and reduce cell damage. In summary, ozone therapy may play a supportive role in diabetes by improving oxygenation, accelerating metabolism, and strengthening the immune system.
Clinical Observations and Research Examples
Some studies on the effects of ozone therapy in diabetes have reported promising results. For example, a controlled study conducted in 2023 found improvements in nerve conduction and more significant reductions in HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes who received ozone therapy compared to standard treatment. Importantly, no serious side effects were reported during the therapy.
Another comprehensive meta-analysis published in 2024 showed that ozone therapy could help diabetic foot ulcers heal faster. In this review, ozone therapy significantly reduced wound size and healing time, and most notably, it nearly halved the risk of amputation.
In conclusion, ozone therapy may offer a promising complementary approach in the management of diabetes. It has shown potential in supporting issues such as chronic wounds and circulation problems in some studies.
