Presentation summary

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus, characterized by chronicpain, sensory disturbances, and motor deficits that significantly reduce patients’ quality of life. Current pharmacological treatments have limited effectiveness in reversing the progression of neuropathy.

Laserpuncture, a non-invasive form of acupuncture using low-level laser stimulation on acupuncture points,has been proposed as a complementary therapy due to its anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combination therapy using laserpuncture and medication onInterleukin-10 (IL-10) levels and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in patients with diabetic neuropathy of thelower extremities.

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 36 patients with type 2diabetes mellitus, aged 40–60 years, diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy. Participants were randomly assignedinto two groups: the intervention group received combination therapy of laserpuncture and standardmedication, while the control group received sham laserpuncture (inactive laser) and medication. Laserpuncture was applied twice weekly for six weeks at specific acupuncture points (ST36, SP6, ST40, MA-IC3) bilaterally, using a 3 Joule infrared laser. Outcome measures included changes in serum IL-10 levels andNCV before and after treatment.

The results showed a statistically significant improvement in IL-10 levels(p=0.032) and in the motor nerve conduction velocity of the left tibial nerve (p=0.007) in the laserpuncture plusmedication group compared to the control group. Other NCV parameters showed no significant differences. Noadverse events related to laserpuncture were reported, indicating the safety of this intervention.

In conclusion, combination therapy with laserpuncture and medication was effective in increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10levels and improving motor nerve conduction in diabetic neuropathy patients