ACUpuncture in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Acupuncture in Symptomatic Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

Multicentric,randomized, two-armed confirmatory trial on the effectiveness of acupuncture in patients with symptomatic peripheral diabetic neuropathy compared to routine care.

The study will investigate the effect of a series of acupuncture treatments on subdimensions of neuropathic symptoms, such as pain, tingling and numbness. Neurophysiological testing of the affected nerves are incorporated into the study as a possible morphological correlate of functional and clinical findings.

Inclusion Criteria, among others:

• Diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in diabetes mellitus Type 2
• Males and females aged >18yrs < 70yrs
• Minimum overall complaints of minimum 40mm on a visual analogue scale (VAS)
• Completed titration of pain medication against diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• Pathological nerve conduction velocity and amplitude of N. suralis ( <42meter/second and or < 6 mikroVolt)

Exclusion Criteria, among others:

• Very severe diabetic peripheral neuropathy with muscular weakness of proximal leg muscles
• Neuropathy due to other reasons such as borrelia infection, HIV, hereditary, alcohol toxic, or related to history of neurotoxic drugs.
• Severe peripheral artery disease Fontaine stage IV
• Ulcers or gangrenous lesions of the feet