The efficacy of acupuncture for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
2024

Acupuncture for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Sample size: 1455 publication 10 minutes Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Ge Ruisi, Liu Rihe, He Mengru, Wu Jiawei, Zhang Feng, Huang Chang

Primary Institution: School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China

Hypothesis

Does acupuncture effectively treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy compared to conventional treatments?

Conclusion

Acupuncture is more effective than drugs and usual care in improving symptoms and nerve conduction velocity in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Supporting Evidence

  • Acupuncture showed a significant improvement in nerve conduction velocity compared to drug therapy.
  • The combination of acupuncture and medication was more effective than medication alone.
  • Acupuncture was found to have fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments.
  • Meta-analysis included 20 studies with a total of 1,455 patients.
  • Acupuncture improved symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy more effectively than usual care.

Takeaway

Acupuncture can help people with diabetes feel better and improve how their nerves work.

Methodology

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Potential Biases

High risk of bias due to lack of blinding and unclear randomization methods.

Limitations

High risk of bias in included studies and small sample sizes.

Participant Demographics

Middle-aged to older adults, with a mean age ranging from 45 to 81 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.00001

Confidence Interval

95%CI=1.26~1.51

Statistical Significance

p<0.00001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fneur.2024.1500709

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