Restoring sensation in amputated limbs for veterans with diabetic neuropathy
Official title: Functional and Neuroprotective Effects of Restoring Lower Limb Sensation after Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Funded at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-11262790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help veterans who have lost lower limbs due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy by using special electrodes to create sensations that feel like they're coming from their missing foot, which could improve their daily activities and overall limb health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003566-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11262790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have experienced lower limb loss due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced limb loss or do not have diabetic peripheral neuropathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on helping veterans with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) who have lost lower limbs. By using specialized electrodes placed on the thigh nerves, the study aims to create sensations that mimic those from the missing foot. This approach is designed to improve the health of the residual limb and enhance daily functioning by providing feedback during activities. The research will carefully monitor the participants' medical histories and the effects of the implanted devices to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for veterans by enhancing limb health and reducing complications.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar techniques in neural stimulation have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Triolo, Ronald J — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Triolo, Ronald J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut bacterial vesicles and diabetic nerve damage
This work looks at whether tiny particles released by gut bacteria can protect nerves and ease numbness and pain in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
-
Wearable vibration to improve movement and reduce pain in diabetic nerve damage
A wearable vibration device is tested for four weeks to help adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy walk better and experience less pain.
-
Improving walking and reducing foot pressure for people with diabetic nerve damage
This project tries real-time biofeedback to change how adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy walk so they have lower harmful foot pressure and better walking speed.
-
Exploring how gut bacteria affect nerve damage in diabetes
This study is looking at how tiny particles from gut bacteria might help protect nerves in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is a common issue for those with diabetes, and it hopes to find new ways to improve nerve health through better gut health.
-
Investigating how tau phosphorylation affects nerve damage in diabetes
This study is looking into how problems with insulin and a protein called tau affect nerve health in people with Type 1 Diabetes, with the hope of finding new ways to ease the pain and improve life for those dealing with diabetic nerve issues.
-
New treatment for painful diabetic nerve damage using cannabidiol and palmitoylethanolamide tablets
This study is testing a new type of tablet that combines two ingredients to help relieve pain for people with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, aiming to provide relief without the side effects of regular pain medications.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.