Hydrogen Water Protects Pancreas Cells in Diabetic Mice Study
Preservative effect of electrolyzed reduced water on pancreatic beta-cell mass in diabetic db/db mice
Research hubs: Type 2 Diabetes · Metabolic Syndrome · Endocrine System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Mi-Ja Kim, Kyung Hee Jung, Yoon Kyung Uhm, Kang-Hyun Leem, Hye Kyung Kim
- Journal
- Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin
- Year
- 2007
- PMID
- 17268057
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 31 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- South Korea
TL;DR
Drinking water treated to remove harmful oxygen-containing molecules may help protect insulin-producing cells and lower blood sugar in diabetic mice.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed reduced water reduced blood glucose levels, increased insulin production, and preserved insulin-producing beta cells in diabetic mice, suggesting it may protect against diabetes-related pancreatic damage.
Summary
This study tested electrolyzed reduced water (water treated with electricity to add hydrogen and reduce harmful molecules called free radicals) in genetically diabetic mice. The mice that drank this water showed lower blood sugar levels, higher insulin levels, better glucose tolerance, and preserved pancreatic cells that produce insulin compared to untreated mice.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study showing potential promise for hydrogen-rich water in diabetes management, but it was conducted only in mice—not humans. Much more research, including human trials, would be needed before any conclusions could be drawn about whether this approach would work in people with diabetes.
Abstract (excerpt)
Oxidative stress is produced under diabetic conditions and involved in progression of pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction. Both an increase in reactive oxygen free radical species (ROS) and a decrease in the antioxidant defense mechanism lead to the increase in oxidative stress in diabetes…