Spinal cord stimulation for diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition of damage or dysfunction of the nerves. This causes a tingling sensation, numbness, muscle weakness and pain in the area. High blood sugar levels and high cholesterol levels impact nerves over time. A recent study published in the journal JAMA Neurology found that spinal cord stimulation may help relieve the pain in chronic diabetic neuropathy. The study was conducted on 216 people who were diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy for one year and have severe pain in their limbs. The participants were randomly divided and provided with 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation and usual therapy. After 6 months, they were assessed for pain and quality of life. Nearly 85 per cent of people who received spinal cord stimulation experienced a significant reduction in  pain whereas only 6.3 per cent of people who received usual therapy experienced pain reduction.

Source: JAMA Neurology, 2024