Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
According to the CDC's latest National Diabetes Statistics Report, nearly 30% (16.5 million) of Americans over 65 years old have diabetes, with over half developing Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN).
Microvascular Ischemia: Why Diabetic Nerves Suffer
In diabetes, chronic hyperglycemia damages microscopic blood vessels (vasa nervorum) responsible for supplying oxygen, glucose, and vital nutrients to peripheral nerves in the feet and lower legs. Deprived of oxygenated circulation, sensory nerve endings progressively degenerate, causing severe burning pain, pins-and-needles paresthesia, and eventually complete numbness.
Acupuncture delivers profound therapeutic benefits for DPN by restoring microvascular capillary perfusion. Studies measuring cutaneous blood flow with laser Doppler imaging demonstrate immediate increases in micro-circulation to the lower extremities during and following acupuncture.
Furthermore, randomized controlled trials demonstrate that electro-acupuncture stimulates peripheral nerve regeneration, significantly increasing motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity (NCV) compared to standard medication alone.
High Prevalence
Over half of diabetic patients eventually experience sensory peripheral nerve impairment.
Nerve Conduction
Trials confirm measurable increases in sensory nerve amplitude and signal speed in sural nerves.
Zero Toxicity
Eliminates the dizziness, fatigue, and dependency commonly associated with gabapentinoids.
Acupuncture Advocacy: Expanding Medicare Coverage for Neuropathy
The Acupuncture Now Foundation submitted a formal National Coverage Determination (NCD) petition to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) accompanied by 72 peer-reviewed clinical trials demonstrating that acupuncture is medically reasonable and necessary for DPN.