Current Study

Group acupuncture treatment effects for painful diabetic neuropathy (GATE-PDN)

A randomized, controlled pilot trial
Patient receiving acupuncture treatment

Neuropathy is a common complication that affects nearly half of patients with diabetes and reduces health-related quality of life. Acupuncture provides effective pain relief and functional improvement for a range of chronic pain conditions, but has not been adequately researched for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). 

We are testing acupuncture for PDN among linguistically and racially or ethnically diverse safety-net patients. We are conducting a randomized, non-blinded design with three arms: (1) usual care combined with 12 weeks of group acupuncture twice weekly, (2) usual care combined with 12 weeks of group acupuncture once weekly, or (3) usual care alone. Participants randomized to one of the acupuncture arms receive treatments delivered in a group setting, which consists of a common space with multiple reclining chairs. The study is supported by funding from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Study Investigators

Researcher

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Maria T. Chao, DrPH, MPA

Interim Director of Research, Associate Director for Health Equity and Diversity, Associate Director of Clinical Research and Analytics
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