Keywords
Photochemotherapy
Diabetes mellitus
Nursing care
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: To describe the effects of low-level laser therapy observed in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Method: A retrospective documentary study conducted at a reference outpatient health care complex in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Data collection took place between May and July 2025 through electronic medical records, from which information regarding laser therapy indications, dosimetry, treatment duration, and clinical progression was extracted. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 402 low-level laser therapy sessions were performed in 52 patients, with an annual mean of 133 applications. Of these, 361 (89.8%) corresponded to the control and adjunctive treatment of lower-limb infections, mainly onychomycosis (n=285; 70.9%), tinea pedis (n=61; 15.2%), and tissue repair (n=27; 6.7%), over 24 months of follow-up. Conclusion: The observed effects of low-level laser therapy were favorable across different clinical outcomes, including improvement of fungal infections such as onychomycosis and tinea pedis, ulcer healing, edema reduction, and pain relief.
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