Hydrogen Therapy Protects Nerves in Diabetic Rats with Nerve Damage
Hydrogen exerts neuroprotective effects by inhibiting oxidative stress in experimental diabetic peripheral neuropathy rats
Research hubs: Type 2 Diabetes · Brain & Nervous System · Endocrine System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Xiao-Chen Han, Zhou-Heng Ye, Hui-Jun Hu, Qiang Sun, Dan-Feng Fan
- Journal
- Medical Gas Research
- Year
- 2023
- PMID
- 36204786
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- hydrogen inhalation and hydrogen-rich saline treatment
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 13 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Breathing in hydrogen gas can significantly reduce blood sugar and nerve damage in rats with diabetes-induced nerve pain.
Key Finding
Hydrogen inhalation significantly improved nerve function in diabetic rats and reduced oxidative stress markers by activating a protective cellular pathway called Nrf2.
Summary
This study tested whether hydrogen could help protect nerves damaged by diabetes in rats. Researchers gave diabetic rats either hydrogen gas to breathe or hydrogen-rich saline, then measured nerve function and markers of cellular damage (oxidative stress). Hydrogen inhalation reduced blood sugar levels, improved nerve signal speed, and decreased harmful molecules in nerve tissue while boosting the body's natural antioxidant defenses.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage animal study suggests hydrogen may help protect nerves from diabetes-related damage, but human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about its use in people. The findings are limited to rats and do not yet demonstrate that hydrogen would have the same effects in humans with diabetic neuropathy.
Abstract (excerpt)
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a complex disorder caused by long-standing diabetes. Oxidative stress was considered the critical creed in this DPN pathophysiology. Hydrogen has antioxidative effects on diabetes mellitus and related complications. However, there is still no concern…