Promising Effects of PEMF Therapy in Diabetes

Although scientific research into the health benefits of PEMF is still ongoing, many promising results have already been observed.

PEMF for Diabetes:

Key potential benefits of PEMF therapy for individuals with diabetes include:

  • Improved blood circulation – especially in peripheral areas (such as feet in diabetic patients).
  • Accelerated wound healing – particularly for diabetic foot ulcers.
  • Reduction in pain – especially in chronic pain and diabetic neuropathy.
  • Stimulation of cell regeneration and repair – enhances mitochondrial activity and tissue healing.
  • Anti-inflammatory effect – reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines.
  • Possible lowering of blood sugar levels – shown in animal studies and some small clinical trials.
  • Improved sleep quality and energy levels – frequently reported by chronically fatigued individuals.
  • Enhanced insulin sensitivity – preliminary indications from preclinical research.

Blood Sugar Regulation

PEMF may have a beneficial effect on blood glucose levels. One study investigated the effect of PEMF on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic muscle atrophy in rats. The results showed that PEMF significantly lowered blood glucose levels and increased insulin levels compared to the untreated diabetic group.¹

A feasibility study explored the effect of PEMF therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results indicated that PEMF, combined with therapeutic exercises, led to a statistically significant improvement in both fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c values.²

Wound Healing (Foot Ulcers)

Animal studies demonstrated that PEMF has a positive effect on wound healing.³

This has also been shown in humans. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial concluded that PEMF therapy may accelerate wound healing and improve microcirculation.⁴

The study focused on the effects of PEMF on chronic diabetic foot ulcers. Thirteen participants (7 in the PEMF group and 6 in the control group), all diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and with unhealed ulcers for the past 4 weeks, were selected for the trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either active PEMF therapy (duration: 60 minutes; frequency: 12 Hz; intensity: 12 Gauss) or inactive PEMF for 14 sessions over a 3-week period.

At the end of the treatment phase:

  • The active PEMF group showed an 18% reduction in wound size, compared to 10% in the control group.
  • The PEMF group showed a 28% increase in cutaneous capillary blood flow velocity and a 14% increase in capillary diameter.
  • In contrast, the control group showed decreases in both capillary velocity and diameter.

Neuropathic Pain Reduction & Nerve Recovery

A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of PEMF on neuropathic pain in 225 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Participants used a PEMF device or a placebo daily for two hours over three months.

While no significant difference in pain intensity was found between groups, 44% of the PEMF group reported improvement on the Patient’s Global Impression of Change (PGIC) compared to 31% in the placebo group. Additionally, a subgroup analysis revealed that 29% of PEMF patients showed increased epidermal nerve fiber density, while no such improvement was observed in the placebo group.⁵

Another randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 182 subjects with diabetic symmetric peripheral neuropathy (DSPN) found a 30% reduction in pain. The researchers concluded that PEMF therapy appears to be effective “as a non-pharmacological tool for reducing pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and shows potential for improving vascular physiology in microcirculatory dysfunction related to diabetic peripheral arterial disease.”⁶

Peripheral Blood Circulation

A randomized controlled study assessed the effect of PEMF on skin perfusion of the dorsal foot in 22 patients with diabetes mellitus and 21 healthy controls. Participants were randomly assigned to either active PEMF treatment (0.5 mT, 12 Hz, 30 minutes) or placebo. Blood flow measurements were taken using laser Doppler flowmetry.

Results showed that PEMF significantly increased blood flow velocity in the smallest detectable blood vessels compared to placebo – in both diabetic and healthy individuals. No significant changes were found in vessel diameter.⁷