Intravenous and Transcutaneous Laser Blood Irradiation for Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes Intravenous laser irradiation in diabetes
Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences,
Vol. 17 (2026),
1 February 2026
,
Page e52053
Abstract
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disorder. Intravenous laser blood irradiation (ILIB) operates on the principle of photobiomodulation and has been proposed as a complementary treatment for DM and its complications. This systematic review evaluated the effects of ILIB on glycemic control and diabetes-related complications.
Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest from 1990 to September 2025. We included studies of adults with DM receiving ILIB or transcutaneous laser blood irradiation. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for randomized controlled trials and ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies. Given the substantial heterogeneity in study designs, laser parameters, outcome measures, and follow-up durations, we performed a narrative synthesis rather than a meta-analysis.
Results: Nine studies involving 256 participants were included: four RCTs or RCT protocols, three single-arm or repeated-measures studies, and three observational or case-series studies. Most participants had type 2 DM. Wavelengths ranged from 405 nm to 660 nm, and power output from 1.5 mW to 100 mW. Among studies reporting glycemic outcomes, one RCT found significant reductions in HbA1c (−1.18% vs −0.63%; P=0.0001) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) after 12 weeks of transcutaneous laser irradiation. Two pre/post studies reported significant acute reductions in blood glucose following single and repeated sessions. In contrast, another RCT showed no significant between-group differences in HbA1c or FPG following 10 sessions of transcutaneous laser blood irradiation adjunctive to periodontal therapy. Evidence for diabetic neuropathy, wound healing, and cellular biomarkers was limited to single observational studies.
Conclusion: Evidence for ILIB in diabetes remains limited and heterogeneous. Although some studies suggest potential short-term benefits for glycemic markers, findings are inconsistent. Evidence for diabetes-related complications is insufficient. Well-designed, adequately powered RCTs with standardized protocols and clinically relevant outcomes are needed.
- Intravenous laser therapy, Photobiomodulation, Diabetes mellitus, Systematic review
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References
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