Observational study of homeopathic and conventional therapies in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy

METHODS: The feasibility and outcomes of homeopathic therapy in a group of type-2 diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic neuropathy were studied in a prospective observational study. Patients were followed from baseline (T0) for 6 months (T1) and for 12 months (T2), treatment was adjusted as necessary. Primary outcome was diabetic neuropathy symptom (DNS) score, secondary outcomes were clinical evolution and short-form-36 (SF-36)-evaluated quality of life (QOL). RESULTS: Homeopathy was used in 45 patients, 32 of whom completed the observation study, and in parallel the conventional therapy outcomes were observed in 32 patients, 29 of whom completed the study. DNS improved in both groups during the observation period, but the change with respect to baseline was statistically significant only in Homeopathic group at T1 (P=0.016). Over the course of the observation there was a substantial stability of the electroneurophysiological values, blood pressure and body weight in both groups, a slight decrease of fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin in Homeopathic group. QOL scores showed an improvement in Homeopathic group only. The cost of conventional drugs decreased in Homeopathic group from 114 euro/month to 94 euro/month at T1. CONCLUSION: Complementary homeopathic therapy of diabetic neuropathy was feasible and promising effects in symptom scores and cost savings were observed.