Abstract
【Purpose】The increasing global prevalence of diabetes necessitates the pursuit of innovative and effective glycemic management strategies, with a particular emphasis on the aging diabetic population. For elderly individuals with diabetes, implementing exercise therapy, a fundamental treatment approach, often poses challenges, thereby warranting the exploration of novel forms of exercise. This study aimed to evaluate blood glucose fluctuations in response to the administration of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) by utilizing an intermittent scanning continuous glucose monitor (isCGM) while considering patient’s skeletal muscle mass as well as the application intensity of NMES.
【Method】The participant was an 80-year-old female with a height of 145.9 cm, weight of 41.8 kg, body mass index of 19.6 kg/m2, and skeletal muscle mass index of 5.5 kg/m2. She was diagnosed with diabetes 37 years prior, with insulin therapy initiated 20 years ago. The HbA1c was 8.1%, with the following complications: weakened Achilles tendon reflexes bilaterally, bilateral medial malleolus vibratory sensation of 13 seconds, no subjective symptoms believed to be based on neuropathy, microalbuminuria (stage 2), no retinopathy, and no major vascular complications. NMES was applied with a low-frequency treatment device placed bilaterally on the quadriceps femoris and triceps surae muscles. Blood glucose fluctuations were monitored using an intermittent scanning continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) device before, during, and after the NMES session.
【Results】No substantial changes were observed in blood glucose levels or physiological parameters during NMES.
【Discussion】The application of NMES in participants with low skeletal muscle mass suggests the possibility of inadequate glucose-lowering effects. This indicates the need to evaluate the individual's body composition and the method used to anticipate the glucose-lowering efficacy of NMES.
