Acupuncture in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy-Related Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Integrative Medicine
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a common diabetes complication causing sensorimotor loss or pain.
• Assessing acupuncture's efficacy and safety for DPN symptoms is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate acupuncture's effectiveness in treating diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) related complaints.
• To assess the safety profile of acupuncture in DPN patients.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving 62 patients with type II diabetes and lower limb neuropathy.
• Administered 12 acupuncture treatments over 8 weeks; a waitlist control group received treatment later.
• Measured outcomes including overall complaints (VAS), pain (VAS, NPSI), quality of life (SF-12), and DPN impact (DPNPI).

Main Results:

• Acupuncture significantly reduced overall complaints by 24.7 on a VAS compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
• Significant improvements were observed in secondary outcomes like pain, neuropathic symptoms, emotional pain dimensions, and DPN impact in the acupuncture group.
• Adverse reactions reported were minor and transient.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture provides a significant and lasting reduction in diabetic polyneuropathy complaints.
• Acupuncture is a well-tolerated treatment option for DPN with a favorable safety profile.