The Efficacy of Acupuncture in Integrated Care for Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy at Sung Noen Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, 2012

This study on integrated diabetic care comprising acupuncture and knowledge provision as well as other activities for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy at Sung Noen Hospital aimed to reduce numbness in the lower extremities and provide knowledge about foot self-care, blood sugar control and other health practices. The study was conducted in 22 selected patients with low and high risk for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and willingness to receive acupuncture treatment from July to October 2012. The numbness in the lower extremities was measured using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test before and after the integrated acupuncture treatment at both lower extremities once a week, totaling 8 times. In addition to acupuncture, other diabetic treatment activities included foot exercise, self-foot massage, and medication as well as health education about diabetic care, dietary control, stress relief, and oral and dental care. Statistical analysis performed included the determination of percentage, mean, standard deviation, min-max and paired t-test value. It was found that, of all the 22 diabetic patients (mostly female and 69 years of age on average) after two months of treatment, 50% had better foot sensation; their average numbness points in both lower extremities significantly decreased from 7.32 to 5.36 (P-value<.05); with foot exercise, 81.8% had better newspaper-tearing ability, a significant increase from 7.81 pieces to 18.67 pieces (P-value<.05); 90.9% could properly perform foot massage (12 styles) for self-care, 81.8% could better control the blood glucose levels, and 50% had better knowledge about self-care. In conclusion, acupuncture treatment with integrated diabetic services for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy could reduce numbness in lower extremities and better control the blood sugar levels; such integrated services include giving knowledge about foot care, foot exercise and foot massage.