Insulin Sensitivity During Hyperbaric Oxygen Compared to Hyperbaric Air

In a recent series of studies performed by our group, we have shown that exposure to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) leads to an increase in insulin sensitivity in male subjects with type-2 diabetes (T2DM) and in obese and overweight men without diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between pressure and oxygen in producing this effect, specifically, is this effect measurable in hyperbaric air or is some higher pressure of oxygen required? Aims: 1. To determine whether the insulin sensitising effect of HBO is apparent in hyperbaric air at the same pressure as HBO. 2. To examine mechanisms underpinning the increase in insulin sensitivity following HBO.