Page 40 - journal_12-3_Full

240

Abstract
The Efficacy of Acupuncture in Integrated Care for Patients with Diabetic Peripheral
Neuropathy at Sung Noen Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, 2012
Nilnetr Virasombat, Patcharee Riyachan, Penpapar Chairat, Patcharinthra Krongsantia,
Duanpen Singthong, Pattama Polthua,Thidarat Chanthra, Pluansiri Kongmuang,
Nuanpachung Winaichatsak, Supa Jantarawivatn
Sung Noen Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province 30170 Thailand
Corresponding author: nveerasombat@gmail.com

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 ser-
vices for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy could reduce numbness in lower extremi-
ties and better control the blood sugar levels; such integrated services include giving knowledge
about foot care, foot exercise and foot massage.
Key words: acupuncture, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, integrated diabetic care