Abstract
Background Many Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients in Korea take Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) for various reasons. In this study, we investigated the effects of KRG administration on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in T2DM patients. Methods This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were randomly allocated to either the placebo or KRG group and took corresponding tablets for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes were changes in current perception threshold (CPT) at week 24. Secondary outcomes were altered fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and various metabolic and inflammatory markers at week 24. Results Sixty-one patients completed the study. The CPT of the lower extremities at various frequencies exhibited significant improvements at week 24 in the KRG group. Other metabolic parameters were not altered after 24 weeks in both groups. In the subgroup analysis, CPT levels were improved in those with a longer diabetes duration or who already had neuropathy at the beginning of the study, and insulin resistance was improved in patients with a shorter diabetes duration. Conclusion Twenty-four week administration of KRG in T2DM patients resulted in a significant improvement in neuropathy, especially in those with a longer diabetes duration. A further, larger population study with a longer follow-up period is warranted to verify the effects of KRG on diabetic neuropathy.
Highlights
Type 2 diabetes is the fastest-growing metabolic disease in the world, which involves various organs [1]
The current perception threshold (CPT) test is widely used in clinical practice for being noninvasive and being able to detect advanced severe neuropathy and early asymptomatic neuropathy compared to other sensory tests [5,6,7]
We investigated the effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) administration on diabetic neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes patients
Summary
Type 2 diabetes is the fastest-growing metabolic disease in the world, which involves various organs [1]. Chronic hyperglycemia leads to a damage in small blood vessels in peripheral nerves, kidney, and retina as well as in larger blood vessels of the heart and the brain These chronic diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications lead to significant mortality and morbidity in diabetes patients. We investigated the effects of KRG administration on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in T2DM patients. CPT levels were improved in those with a longer diabetes duration or who already had neuropathy at the beginning of the study, and insulin resistance was improved in patients with a shorter diabetes duration. Twentyfour week administration of KRG in T2DM patients resulted in a significant improvement in neuropathy, especially in those with a longer diabetes duration. A further, larger population study with a longer follow-up period is warranted to verify the effects of KRG on diabetic neuropathy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
