Diabetic Neuropathy- The Next Generation of Treatments and Therapies,

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that is caused by diabetes.  Nerves are bundles of special tissues that carry signals between your brain and other parts of your body.

The signals

•        Send information about how things feel
•        Move your body parts
•         Control body functions such as digestion

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects the peripheral nervous system, which transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It occurs when the nerves in the hands, feet, and other parts of the body become damaged or diseased, leading to a range of symptoms.

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by various factors, including:

Diabetes: High blood sugar levels over a prolonged period can damage nerves and cause peripheral neuropathy.

Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins B12, B6, or other nutrients can contribute to nerve damage.

Medications: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and antacids, can cause peripheral neuropathy as a side effect.

Autonomic neuropathy:  is a type of peripheral neuropathy that affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as:

• o   Heart rate and blood pressure
• o   Blood sugar regulation
• o   Digestion
• o   Bladder and bowel function
• o   Sweating
• o   Body temperature regulation
• o   Reflexes

What is Focal neuropathies

Focal neuropathies are a type of peripheral neuropathy that affects a specific area or group of nerves, rather than the entire nervous system. This type of neuropathy is often characterized by:

Unilateral symptoms: Symptoms typically affect only one side of the body.

Localized pain: Pain is usually limited to a specific area or region.

Distal spread: Symptoms tend to spread distally (towards the fingers and toes) from the affected area.

Limited distribution: The affected nerves are usually confined to a specific nerve or group of nerves.

 

Autonomic neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy that affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as:

• o   Heart rate and blood pressure
• o   Blood sugar regulation
• o   Digestion
• o   Bladder and bowel function
• o   Sweating
• o   Body temperature regulation
• o   Reflexes

The Next Generation of Treatments and Therapies

Diabetic neuropathy is a common and debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus, affecting millions of people worldwide. Current treatments for diabetic neuropathy often focus on managing symptoms, such as pain, numbness, and tingling, but do not reverse or cure the condition. However, researchers are working on developing new treatments and therapies to address the underlying path physiology of diabetic neuropathy. Here are some of the next-generation treatments and therapies being explored:

 

o       Vaspin therapy: Vaspin (vaspin gene therapy) is a novel approach that uses gene therapy to deliver a protein called vaspin to damaged nerve cells. Vaspin has been shown to improve nerve function and reduce oxidative stress in animal models of diabetic neuropathy.

o      Stem cell therapy: Stem cells have been used to repair damaged nerves in animal models of diabetic neuropathy. Researchers are exploring the potential use of stem cells to regenerate damaged nerves and promote nerve regeneration.  

o      Nerve growth factor (NGF) therapy: NGF is a protein that promotes the growth and survival of nerve cells. Researchers are investigating the use of NGF therapy to stimulate nerve regeneration and improve nerve function in diabetic neuropathy patients.

Biodegradable implantable devices: Biodegradable implantable devices that release therapeutic agents, such as NGF or other neurotrophic factors, directly into the affected nerves are being developed. These devices may provide sustained release of therapeutic agents for an extended period.

MicroRNA-based therapies:  MicroRNAs are small RNAs that regulate gene expression. Researchers are exploring the use of microRNA-based therapies to target specific genes involved in diabetic neuropathy, such as those involved in oxidative stress and inflammation.

CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology can be used to edit genes involved in diabetic neuropathy, potentially leading to more effective treatments.

Targeting oxidative stress: Oxidative stress is a key contributor to diabetic neuropathy. Researchers are exploring the use of antioxidants and other compounds that target oxidative stress to prevent or slow disease progression.

Inhibiting inflammation: Inflammation is another key player in diabetic neuropathy. Researchers are investigating the use of anti-inflammatory compounds and therapies to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Neuroprotection: Neuroprotection is the concept of protecting nerve cells from damage or death. Researchers are exploring various neuroprotective strategies, including the use of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other therapies.

Personalized medicine: Personalized medicine approaches involve tailoring treatment to individual patients based on their specific genetic profile, environmental factors, and other factors. Researchers are exploring the potential benefits of personalized medicine in diabetic neuropathy treatment.

These next-generation treatments and therapies hold promise for improving outcomes for patients with diabetic neuropathy. However, further research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and risks before they can be translated into clinical practice.

Wellsun Medicity Hospital

Dr. R.P Singh

MBBS, MD(Medicine) - General Medicine

8-B/NH-5, Vrindavan Yojna, Shaheed Path,

Lucknow -226029

+91-18008891200/+91-8810787432

https://www.wellsunmedicity.com

email id- wellsunmedicityhospital@gmail.com

 

Share: