Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2005; 10: 26
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is one of the most common long-term complications of diabetes mellitis. The aim of this study was to determine the evidence for the potential benefit of CAM for PDN via systematic review of RCTs.
Computerised literature searches were performed of Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Cinahl, Pyscholit, Amed and the British Library index of conference proceedings. In addition, our own extensive departmental files were searched. Recent authors of RCTs in this area were contacted for any unpublished data. The search terms comprised PDN and major CAM terms. The bibliographies of the studies were retrieved and scanned for further trials. There were no restrictions on the language of publication. All RCTs of CAM therapies for the PDN were included, with CAM therapies being defined as those that are not readily available through conventional care in the UK.
Thirty RCTs that matched our inclusion criteria were found that investigated CAM for PDN. Fourteen RCTs discussed supplements, of which seven were for alpha-lipoic acid. Seven RCTs were for vitamin B preparations. Eight RCTs described herbal medicines and one RCT investigated static magnetic therapy.
There is some evidence to suggest that alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin B preparations and topical capsaicin may be of benefit for PDN. For all other therapies, there is insufficient data at present to draw any meaningful conclusion.
This research was funded by Diabetes UK.
