New Hydrogen Device Improves Diabetes and Insulin Resistance in Mice

Summary by Hydrogen Studies Editorial Team · Updated

Authors
Journal
Bioactive Materials
Year
DOI
10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.11.003
Study Type
Mouse
Outcome
Positive
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Country
China
Health Condition
Type 2 Diabetes
Body System
Endocrine

TL;DR

Researchers developed a new method to deliver hydrogen gas to treat inflammation and insulin resistance in diabetic mice by using a special zinc-iron structure that releases hydrogen in the stomach over time.

Key Finding

A zinc-iron micro-device that releases hydrogen gas in the stomach accumulated hydrogen in insulin-resistance-related tissues at higher levels and for longer periods than hydrogen-rich water, significantly improving insulin resistance and reducing inflammation in obese diabetic mice.

Summary

Researchers developed a tiny device made of zinc and iron that releases hydrogen gas in the stomach when swallowed. In obese mice with type 2 diabetes, this device released hydrogen for about 3 hours—matching how long food stays in the stomach—allowing the hydrogen to reach liver, fat, and muscle tissues at higher levels than drinking hydrogen-rich water. The treatment reduced inflammation and improved insulin resistance (the body's difficulty using insulin) without causing visible harm.

Practical Takeaway

This early-stage research in mice suggests that controlled hydrogen delivery to the stomach may be more effective than current hydrogen water methods, but human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about safety or effectiveness in people with type 2 diabetes. The device itself has not been tested in humans.

Abstract (excerpt)

Chronic systemic inflammation in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a key inducing factor of insulin resistance (IR). Hydrogen molecule (H2) has been proved to be a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent, but conventional H2 administration methods cannot provide a high dosage…

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