HOUSTON – Type 2 Diabetes causes many complications — one of them is a condition called neuropathy.
It causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the lower legs and feet. A local researcher tells us every 30 seconds someone around the world gets their leg amputated, mostly from diabetic neuropathy.
We followed several patients in Houston, who are seeking help through injections in the muscles in their legs.
It’s a Phase 2 Clinical Trial, so it’s a drug that’s not yet available the public. Phase 3 is the next phase, then the FDA must approve it. This process will take years to complete.
Both of the patients we followed say the injections have made a remarkable difference in their legs. Both women have better sensation to their feet and legs and one of them can go shopping for the first time in years. Before, it was just too painful. The condition used to keep both of them up at night and they’d dream their feet were on fire.
Dr. Aziz Shaibani is the Director of the Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas and also an Assistant Professor with Baylor College of Medicine. He has been studying this treatment for 12 years. He is still looking for more volunteers, who have severe neuropathy.
Published: March 6, 2009