Background: Achilles tendinopathy is a common degenerative tendon disorder that can impair mobility and quality of life. In diabetes mellitus, tendon healing is hindered due to the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), reduced vascularisation, and oxidative stress. Glucopuncture, a peritendinous injection therapy using 5% isotonic dextrose solution, is thought to promote tendon healing through anti-apoptotic, antioxidative, and collagen synthesis–stimulating mechanisms. However, experimental evidence in diabetic tendinopathy models remains limited.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of peritendinous glucopuncture (5% dextrose) on histological regeneration and biomechanical function of the Achilles tendon in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague–Dawley rats.
Methods: An experimental post-test-only control group design was used with twelve Sprague–Dawley rats (200–250 g, 6–8 weeks). Diabetes and tendinopathy were induced via streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Subjects were divided into two groups: positive control (STZ + 0.9% NaCl) and glucopuncture (STZ + 5% dextrose). Tendon recovery was assessed both histologically, using the Modified Bonar Score, and functionally, using the Four-Limb Hanging Test. Data were analysed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests at a significance level of a = 0.05.
Results: The glucopuncture group demonstrated significantly lower Modified Bonar Scores, indicating superior histological tendon recovery. The glucopuncture group also had significantly longer hanging times compared to the control group, supporting evidence of improvement in biomechanical function (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Peritendinous administration of 5% dextrose (glucopuncture) significantly improved both histological and biomechanical recovery of the Achilles tendon in diabetic Sprague–Dawley rats. These findings suggest that glucopuncture may serve as an effective, safe, and accessible regenerative therapy for diabetic tendinopathy. |