Percutaneous Electric Neurostimulation of Dermatome T7 Improves the Glycemic Profile in Obese and Type 2 Diabetic Patients. A Randomized Clinical Study

Abstract

IntroductionEndocrine pancreatic segregation is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. The parasympathetic system stimulates insulin production by the beta cells and inhibits the adrenergic discharge by the sympathetic nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of percutaneous neurostimulation (PENS) of dermatome T7, generating a somato-autonomic reflex, whose efferent pathway is the vagal branches that specifically stimulate the pancreas. The effect of this treatment on glycemia, insulin secretion and insulin resistance was investigated. MethodsA prospective randomised clinical trial was performed. Patients with BMI≥30kg/m2 and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus treated with metformin were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients undergoing PENS of dermatome T7 (12 sessions of 30min weekly) associated with a 1200kcal/day diet (Group 1) and patients following only a 1200kcal/day diet (Group 2). All the patients underwent a blood sample extraction before the treatment and 7 days after finishing it. Results60 patients were included: 30 in each group. After finishing the treatment, in Group 1 a significant decrease in glycemia (mean decrease of 62.1mg/dl; P=.024) and HOMA (mean decrease 1.37; P=.014) was observed. In Group 2, no significant differences between pre and post-treatment values were observed. ConclusionPENS of dermatome T7 associated with a 1200kcal/day diet achieves a greater reduction in glycemia and insulin resistance than with diet exclusively after 3 months of treatment.