Effect of auricular acupressure on neuropathy symptoms and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, often leading to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Complementary medicine practices, such as acupressure, are increasingly used by patients with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of auricular acupressure (AA) on neuropathic symptoms and QoL in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 41 participants with type 2 diabetic neuropathy meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 20) or the sham group (n = 21). The intervention group received auriculotherapy by applying pressure to labels containing five plant seeds placed on the foot reflex area of the external ear three times daily for six weeks. The sham group received pressure on labels containing five plant seeds placed on the cardiac reflex area of the external ear for the same duration. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) questionnaire, and the Neuropathy-Specific Quality of Life (Neuro-QoL) questionnaire, administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, employing independent t-tests, paired t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, and chi-square tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Before the intervention, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of neuropathy symptom severity. After the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in neuropathy symptoms (p < 0.001), while the reduction in the sham group was not statistically significant (p = 0.17). Additionally, QoL scores improved significantly in the intervention group post-intervention (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Auriculotherapy appears to be a cost-effective, non-invasive, and practical approach for reducing neuropathic symptoms and improving QoL in individuals with type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220413054530N1), Registration date: 2022-05-02.