Diabetes Complications and EECP
Diabetes affects not only the large vessels but also the kidneys, eyes and nerves. EECP is a non-surgical support that can be added to diabetes treatment. Studies in this area are promising, but small.
- Non-Surgical
- 35 Sessions
- Painless
Briefly
Prevents the development of complications not caused by blocked vessels in people with diabetes.
It does not replace diabetes medication, diet, exercise and regular eye and kidney checks; it is considered in addition to them.
In a small randomized study, harmful sugar-derived products and inflammation markers decreased.
We have not read a long-term study showing that it prevents complications. The evidence is limited.
Which Organs Does Diabetes Affect?
High blood sugar can damage small vessels and nerves over the years. Sugar binds to proteins and forms harmful products. These products can increase inflammation and vessel damage; their effects can be seen in the kidneys, eyes and nerves.
Kidneys
The small vessels that act as filters in the kidneys can be damaged. Protein leakage in the urine is an early sign and is monitored with a simple urine test.
Eyes
The small vessels at the back of the eye can be affected. This is called diabetic retinopathy; because it can progress without symptoms, it is monitored with regular eye examinations.
Feet and nerves
Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling and loss of sensation in the feet. Small wounds that go unnoticed can grow over time.
Hover over or tap the cards: the related area is highlighted in the image.
Blood sugar control
Insulin produced by the pancreas regulates blood sugar. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond to insulin adequately.
Small vessels
The inner vessel lining regulates the vessel's ability to widen. In diabetes, this function can weaken and flow to the organs can decrease.
Inflammation and oxidative stress
High sugar can increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. These are markers that can be measured with blood tests, and in the studies the effect of EECP was followed with these markers.
Diabetes and Vessels: Before and With EECP
The comparison below simply shows the support targeted with EECP. The effect varies from person to person; your progress is monitored with regular tests.
The burden of diabetes
- Increase in harmful sugar-derived products
- Inflammation and oxidative stress
- Loss of function in small vessels
Supported vessels and metabolism
- Stimulation of the inner vessel lining by flow
- A decrease in inflammation markers is targeted
- Diabetes treatment continues unchanged
This is a schematic illustration. EECP does not treat diabetes; it does not replace diabetes treatment.
How Does EECP Help?
During treatment you lie down and rest. The device monitors your heart rhythm with an ECG and controls the cuffs accordingly.
Cuffs inflate
While the heart relaxes, the cuffs on the calves, thighs and buttocks inflate in sequence: first the calves, then the thighs and buttocks.
Blood flow speeds up
Cuff pressure increases flow in the vessels. The increased flow stimulates the release of nitric oxide from the inner vessel lining.
The heart's workload decreases
The pressure is released just before the heart contracts, so the heart pumps more easily. This cycle repeats with every heartbeat.
Tests are monitored
Sugar, kidney and, if needed, eye checks before and after the course are compared. The assessment is made together with your doctors.
What Has Been Reported in Studies?
The response varies from person to person. The following are the gains that are targeted and have been reported in studies.
Harmful sugar-derived products
In a small randomized study, these products decreased markedly after 35 sessions and remained low at month 6.
Inflammation and oxidative stress
In the same study, markers of vessel inflammation and oxidative stress decreased in the first weeks.
Nitric oxide
Vessel-widening nitric oxide products increased by about 50 percent in the two weeks after the course.
Kidney function
A review reported an increase in the kidney filtration rate in heart patients after a 35-session course.
Eyes
The expert opinion cites studies in which eye vessel flow and vision improved in diabetic retinopathy.
Feet and nerves
The expert opinion reports positive effects in diabetic foot and nerve damage.
Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not?
First, your sugar control, kidney function and eye examination are reviewed. The decision on EECP is made individually by our cardiologist, in harmony with your other doctors.
✓May be suitable for
- Patients with type 2 diabetes who continue lifestyle and medication treatment
- Patients under specialist follow-up in whom diabetic retinopathy or kidney involvement has begun
- Patients with heart or vascular disease accompanying diabetes
- Patients who need support for sugar control despite lifestyle and medication treatment
✕Not suitable for
- Active infection or open wound in the leg or foot
- Severe aortic valve insufficiency
- Aortic aneurysm
- Active deep vein thrombosis or vein inflammation
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- severe arrhythmia
- Marked bleeding tendency and pregnancy
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
Blood pressure and pulse are checked before every session. At the end of the course, the results are reviewed with our cardiologist. In patients with diabetes, blood sugar is also asked about before the session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes Complications and EECP
Does EECP prevent diabetes complications?
We have not read a long-term study showing that it does. In a small randomized study, harmful sugar-derived products and inflammation markers decreased.
I have diabetic retinopathy; is EECP suitable?
The expert opinion from China states that EECP may be considered. The decision is made together with your eye doctor's examination and our cardiologist's assessment. Your eye treatment continues unchanged.
I have kidney disease; can I have EECP?
EECP has been tried in kidney patients, including hemodialysis patients, in several studies. Your kidney function and fluid balance are evaluated together with your nephrologist. The decision is made after this assessment.
How does this page differ from the page on vascular complications in diabetes?
That page covers blockages in the heart, brain and leg vessels. This page focuses on other problems involving the kidneys, eyes, nerves and inflammation. We recommend reading the two pages together.
Will my diabetes medications change?
Your medications continue according to your doctor's plan. During the course, your doctor may check your sugar more often; only your doctor decides on medication changes.
How many sessions are needed?
The standard course is 35 sessions: 5 days a week, 60 minutes per session. You return to daily life right after the session. When the course ends, your tests are repeated and compared.
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Contact us for a free preliminary assessment
Let's evaluate together your tests related to your diabetes and its complications. Simply bring your latest sugar, kidney and eye results. Our cardiologist will discuss clearly the place of EECP for you; if it is not suitable, we will say so.
- Non-Surgical
- Painless
- Physician-Supervised
- Nicosia and Morphou