Red and Near-Infrared Light-Induced Photobiomodulation Therapy for Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers. Does it Really Work??

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders that are characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there were over 72.946.400 cases of diabetes in India in 2017. Diabetic foot ulcers are the most challenging complication of unstable diabetes. It is a neuropathic complication of diabetes that occurs in about 15% of the patients with diabetes. They develop from two main causes like peripheral neuropathy and ischemia from peripheral vascular disease. The goal of treatment of a foot ulcer is to achieve healing as soon as possible. Low level light therapy or low level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation is a type of treatment which aids in wound healing through the application of biostimulative light energy to the body cells. Improving the glycemic control forms a major part of the treatment. Treatment of infection in diabetic ulcer nowadays is very difficult and expensive. So, we need to educate people in order to reduce the risk as well as occurrence of the foot ulcers. Hence, the use of low-level light therapy with the help of Red and Near-Infrared lights is recommended due to low expenditures and easy application for the patients.