Safety and efficacy of Acupuncture to relieve diabetic peripheral neuropathy-related complaints

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Created On: 09/05/2023

A randomized controlled trial evaluated Acupuncture's efficacy and safety in treating the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

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Key take away

For the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy-associated complaints, acupuncture is safe, effective, and well-tolerated.

Background

A randomized controlled trial evaluated Acupuncture's efficacy and safety in treating the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Method

The research comprised people who had type II diabetes and lower limb neuropathy symptoms. Over the course of eight weeks, 12 Acupuncture sessions were performed. Beginning at week 16 (after baseline), the Acupuncture treatment for the waitlist control group was the same.

Result

Overall, 62 subjects were randomly allocated to the Acupuncture group (N=31) and to the control group (N=31). The major endpoint was a decrease in overall complaints. It was found to be reduced with a noteworthy difference of 24.7 on a visual analog scale (VAS) between both groups in favor of acupuncture.

Following the intervention and at the follow-ups, there were reductions in the secondary endpoints like diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain impact (DPNPI), Short Form-12 (SF-12), emotional dimensions of pain, neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI), and VAS pain in the Acupuncture group. There were transient and minor adverse effects.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is well-tolerated, has few side effects, and results in a significant and long-lasting decrease in diabetic peripheral neuropathy-related symptoms when compared to routine care.