Is acupuncture effective for treating diabetic neuropathy? : Evidence-Based Practice

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Is acupuncture effective for treating diabetic neuropathy?

Hawks, Matthew MD; Cook, Stephen MD

Author Information

Nellis FMR Las Vegas, NV

The opinions and assertions contained herein are those of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the U.S.US Air Force Medical Department, the US Air Force at large, or the Department of Defense.

Evidence-Based Practice 21(5):p E1-E2, May 2018. | DOI: 10.1097/01.EBP.0000545126.10372.ae

Abstract

EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER 

Acupuncture appears to improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms better than B vitamins or no treatment and to improve symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis better than gastroprokinetic agents (SOR: B, meta-analyses of unblinded, low-quality RCTs). Electroacupuncture improves symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis better than sham procedure, but the difference is likely not clinically significant (SOR: C, small RCT). Acupuncture may be considered for symptom management in patients with diabetic gastroparesis (SOR: C, expert consensus).

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