Acupuncture in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy-Related Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Joanna Dietzel, Isabel Valentina Habermann, Sebastian Hörder, Katrin Hahn, Gesa Meyer‐Hamme, Miriam Ortiz, Kevin Hua, Barbara Stöckigt, Marie Bolster, Weronika Grabowska, Stephanie Roll, Sylvia Binting, Stefan N. Willich, Sven Schröder, Benno Brinkhaus
Abstract
Background: Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, which presents with a loss of sensorimotor function or pain. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as a treatment for DPN-related complaints. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, patients with type II diabetes and symptoms of neuropathy in the lower limbs were included. A total of 12 acupuncture treatments were administered over 8 weeks. The waitlist control group received the same acupuncture treatment starting at week 16 (after baseline). Results: A total of 62 patients were randomized (acupuncture group n = 31; control group n = 31). The primary outcome was overall complaints, and it was reduced with a significant difference of 24.7 on a VAS (CI 95% 14.8;34.7, p < 0.001) between both groups in favor of acupuncture. Reductions were recorded for the secondary outcomes VAS pain, neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI), emotional dimensions of pain, SF-12, and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain impact (DPNPI) after the intervention and at the follow-ups in the acupuncture group. Adverse reactions were minor and transient. Conclusions: Acupuncture leads to a significant and lasting reduction in DPN-related complaints when compared to routine care and is well tolerated, with minor side effects.