Improving neuropathy scores in type 2 diabetic patients using micronutrients supplementation

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine if micronutrients supplementation can improve neuropathy indices in type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 75 type 2 diabetes patients were assigned to three treatment groups, receiving one of the following daily supplement for 4 months: Group MV: zinc (20 mg), magnesium (250 mg), vitamin C (200 mg) and E (100 mg); Group MVB: both of the above mineral and vitamin supplements plus vitamin B1 (10 mg), B2 (10 mg), B6 (10 mg), biotin (200 mu g), B12 (10 mu g) and folic acid (1 mg); Group P: placebo. Results: 67 patients completed the study. Neuropathic symptoms based on the MNSI questionnaire improved from 3.45 to 0.64 (p = 0.001) in group MVB, from 3.96 to 1.0 (p = 0.001) in group MV and from 2.54 to 1.95 in placebo group after 4 months. There was no significant difference between three treatment groups in MNSI examinations after 4 months supplementations. Over 4 months of treatment, patients showed no significant changes in glycemic control, capillary blood flow or electrophysiological measures in MV and MVB groups compared with placebo group. Conclusions: These studies suggest that micronutrients supplementation might ameliorate diabetic neuropathy symptoms. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.