Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, poses a significant global health burden. Conventional treatments often focus on pharmacological interventions, yet emerging research suggests that phototherapy, a non-invasive therapeutic modality, holds promise for diabetes management. This article explores the potential of phototherapy as a novel approach to diabetes treatment, focusing on its mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, and future directions. Phototherapy interventions, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and photobiomodulation (PBM), have demonstrated beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, and inflammatory markers in preclinical and clinical studies. However, challenges such as standardization of protocols, optimal dosimetry, and long-term efficacy remain to be addressed. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of phototherapy-induced effects on diabetes pathophysiology, optimizing treatment protocols, and conducting large-scale clinical trials to validate its efficacy and safety in real-world settings.