Assessing the effects of spinal cord stimulators on diabetic neuropathy

Spinal Cord Stimulation Improves Pain, Arterial Stiffness and Vascular Flow in Lower Extremities in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Type II A Multidisciplinary Collaborative Prospective Study

Observational University of Chicago · NCT04687215

This study is testing if spinal cord stimulators can help people with diabetes and painful nerve damage feel better and improve their overall health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Chicago Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT04687215 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate how spinal cord stimulators can improve vascular changes in patients with diabetes mellitus who suffer from painful diabetic neuropathy. It will involve a single-center pilot approach at the University of Chicago Medical Center, where eligible patients will undergo a series of assessments, including questionnaires and vascular tests, prior to receiving the spinal cord stimulator. The study focuses on measuring improvements in disability, quality of life, and vascular health in the lower extremities of diabetic patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with type 2 diabetes for over a year and refractory painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Not a fit: Patients with active infections, significant psychiatric disorders, or those on anticoagulants will likely not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of diabetic neuropathy and enhanced quality of life for patients with diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: While spinal cord stimulation has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach to address vascular changes in diabetic patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with DM type 2 of more than 1-year duration
2. DM stage 3 or less
3. Patients ≥18 years of age
4. Refractory painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities
5. ABI index \<0.9

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients on anticoagulants
2. Patients with active infections
3. Patients with HbA1\>10
4. Psychiatric disorders and cognitive dysfunctions
5. Illicit Drug Usage
6. Patients on dialysis
7. BMI\>35.0
8. Surgery within the last 30 days
9. Ulcer of the lower extremities
10. Calcification of the peripheral arteries

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Diabetes MellitusNeuropathyNeuropathic PainVascular DiseasesVascular StiffnessMicrovascular ChangesPain, Chronic
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.