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Effect of Low-Frequency Electroacupuncture on Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

NCT07551726 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 92

Last updated 2026-04-27

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common and disabling complication of diabetes. Many patients experience pain, numbness, and impaired quality of life, while currently available treatments may have limited benefit or cause adverse effects. Electroacupuncture (EA) may provide a safe, non-pharmacological treatment option, but further clinical evidence is needed.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and potential mechanisms of low-frequency (2 Hz) electroacupuncture in patients with DPN. In this prospective, randomized, sham-controlled trial, participants will be assigned to either a verum 2 Hz EA group or a sham EA group. The study will assess nerve conduction velocity, pain intensity, serum neurotrophic factors and inflammatory cytokines, and quality of life.

This study is intended to provide clinical evidence on the use of low-frequency EA for DPN and to examine whether its effects are related to neurotrophic and inflammatory pathways.

Conditions

  • Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)
  • Electroacupuncture

Interventions

OTHER

EA

Disposable sterile acupuncture needles (Hwato brand) in sizes of 0.18 mm × 25 mm and 0.25 mm × 40 mm were used. Following skin disinfection with 75% alcohol swabs, needles were inserted at selected acupoints to elicit a deqi sensation, characterized by local soreness, numbness, or distension reported by the participant.

OTHER

Sham EA

Superficial insertion to a depth of approximately 1-2 mm was performed at these sites using Hwato brand disposable sterile acupuncture needles (0.18 mm × 25 mm). A Hwato SDZ-IIB electronic acupuncture stimulator with deliberately impaired connecting leads was attached to the needles at the sham sites. After the device was turned on and the frequency and intensity parameters were visibly set on the display screen, participants underwent a 30-minute needle retention period. Although the stimulator screen remained active, no actual electrical current was delivered to the needles throughout the session.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • The Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University

    collaborator OTHER

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
70 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-04-26
Primary Completion
2027-12-31
Completion
2027-12-31

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07551726 on ClinicalTrials.gov