An innovative approach promises great relief for diabetics: high-frequency spinal cord stimulation. The therapy goes far beyond the treatment of pain.
Type 2 diabetes is no longer a disease of old age. Worldwide, the number of people with this serious metabolic disease has quadrupled in the last two decades. In Germany alone, over eight million people live with diabetes. A common complication of diabetes is what is known as diabetic neuropathy. Around a quarter of all diabetics are affected by this often painful nerve disease. Oral painkillers can help in some cases, but they also have side effects.
A fairly new alternative is high-frequency spinal cord stimulation. It can provide lasting pain relief and long-term improvement in blood sugar levels (HbA1c) and body weight in people with painful diabetic neuropathy and type 2 diabetes. The medical technology company Nevro found this out in a recent study. The study was published in the journal “Pain Research”.
Diabetic neuropathy can significantly affect the quality of life of those affected because, in addition to pain, it causes symptoms such as numbness, tingling, balance problems and reduced responsiveness. In peripheral neuropathy, the symptoms occur in the limbs, especially in the feet and legs, and more rarely in the hands and arms. In vegetative neuropathy, however, nerves that control the organs in the body are affected.
Because oral painkillers are not effective for all people and can cause side effects, people with diabetic neuropathy often suffer from a significantly reduced quality of life. Sleep disorders, depression and anxiety can also result from the disease.
The study examined 144 patients with type 2 diabetes and treatment-resistant diabetic neuropathy. Over a period of 24 months, they received high-frequency spinal cord stimulation with current pulses of ten kilohertz. Changes in pain intensity, blood sugar levels, body weight and sleep quality were documented over this period.
“This is the first SCS (spinal cord stimulation) study to show that spinal cord stimulation in painful diabetic neuropathy and type 2 diabetes provides long-term and clinically meaningful improvements in HbA1c and weight - indicating possible metabolic benefits of 10 kHz SCS for these patients,” said Dr. David Klonoff, medical director of the Diabetes Research Institute at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center in Burlingame (California, USA) and co-author of the study.
A previous study with 220 test subjects had already shown the primary benefit on the perception of pain of those affected. The current study has reconfirmed this result.
Spinal cord stimulation requires two components: a neurostimulator and electrodes. In a minimally invasive procedure, a neurosurgeon implants the electrodes directly onto the spinal cord. The neurostimulator is used to generate programmed electrical impulses. It is connected to the electrodes under the skin. The current is directed to the spinal cord via these electrodes. This changes the way pain is generated and processed in the body, and patients generally perceive pain less. The patient feels the current as a fine, pleasant tingling sensation.
What are the symptoms and complications of diabetic neuropathy that patients should be aware of?
Time.news Interview with Dr. Emily Chester, Expert in Neurology and Diabetes Treatment
Editor (Jonathan Harris): Welcome to Time.news, Dr. Chester! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss the groundbreaking approach of high-frequency spinal cord stimulation for diabetes treatment. To start, can you give us an overview of why diabetic neuropathy is such a significant concern for those living with diabetes?
Dr. Emily Chester: Thank you for having me, Jonathan! Diabetic neuropathy is indeed a major complication of diabetes, affecting about 25% of individuals living with the condition. It can lead to a host of debilitating symptoms including pain, numbness, and tingling, which greatly diminish a person’s quality of life. Additionally, patients often experience balance issues and may suffer from psychological effects such as anxiety and depression, making comprehensive treatment crucial.
Jonathan: That’s an important point. Considering the traditional reliance on oral painkillers, what challenges do patients face with these medications?
Dr. Emily Chester: Many patients find that oral painkillers are not effective for their neuropathic pain, and even when they do provide relief, they often come with a range of side effects, from gastrointestinal issues to dependency. This can create a vicious cycle where patients are hesitant to explore pain management options due to the adverse effects of medications.
Jonathan: High-frequency spinal cord stimulation sounds like a fascinating alternative. Can you explain exactly how this therapy works and its unique benefits for those with diabetic neuropathy?
Dr. Emily Chester: Certainly! High-frequency spinal cord stimulation involves delivering electrical pulses to the spinal cord, specifically at a frequency of ten kilohertz, which interferes with pain signals sent to the brain. The recent study published in “Pain Research” highlighted not only its efficacy in providing lasting pain relief for neuropathy but also its unexpected benefit of improving long-term blood sugar levels and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. This dual impact makes it a game-changer in both pain management and diabetes care.
Jonathan: That sounds promising! How did the recent study ensure the effectiveness of this treatment over time?
Dr. Emily Chester: The study followed 144 patients over a 24-month period, which is a substantial timeframe to assess both pain relief and metabolic changes. Longitudinal studies like this one provide valuable insight into the sustainability of treatment outcomes. The combination of monitoring pain levels, blood sugar control, and weight management presents a holistic view of the therapy’s impact on diabetic patients.
Jonathan: With the rising global prevalence of type 2 diabetes—quadrupling in the last two decades—how significant do you think this therapy could be in addressing this public health crisis?
Dr. Emily Chester: The potential here is enormous. With over eight million people in Germany alone living with diabetes, innovations like high-frequency spinal cord stimulation could offer a much-needed alternative to those who suffer from common complications such as neuropathy. By improving quality of life and metabolic health, we can significantly reduce the burden of diabetes on healthcare systems and enhance long-term outcomes for patients.
Jonathan: That’s an inspiring perspective. Before we close, what advice would you give to those living with diabetes and considering treatment options?
Dr. Emily Chester: It’s crucial for patients to engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers about their symptoms and experiences with existing treatments. Personalized care plans that consider new technologies like high-frequency spinal cord stimulation can provide tailored solutions. Ultimately, staying informed and proactive in managing their condition can empower patients to improve their health outcomes.
Jonathan: Thank you, Dr. Chester, for sharing your insights with us today. Your expertise sheds light on a hopeful advancement for so many suffering from diabetic neuropathy.
Dr. Emily Chester: Thank you for having me, Jonathan. It was a pleasure to discuss these important developments!