Ayurvedic management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a case report

Diabetic neuropathy is a prevalent and debilitating complication of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, primarily affecting peripheral nerves. Patients commonly present with symptoms such as burning sensation, numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities, often associated with sensory deficits. Current conventional management provides limited symptomatic relief, highlighting the need for complementary approaches. In Ayurveda, this condition can be considered an Upadrava (complication) of Prameha (diabetes mellitus) and is managed through a combination of internal medications, external therapies, and detoxification procedures.

A 65-year-old male patient with a 15-year history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus presented with a severe burning sensation in both lower limbs. The patient was managed with Ayurvedic interventions, including internal medications for 1 month followed by 21 days of inpatient Panchakarma therapy.

Clinical assessment using the visual analog scale (VAS), Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS), and neuropathy grading showed significant improvement following the intervention. The patient, who initially presented with moderate neuropathy, showed marked clinical improvement after 2 months of treatment.

This case suggests that Ayurvedic interventions may offer a beneficial complementary approach in the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Further systematic studies are required to substantiate these findings.