THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF PYRIDOXAL PHOSPHATE ON DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Abstract

The present investigations were made to evaluate the curative effects of pyridoxal phosphate on diabetic neuropathy. Thirty-two diabetic outpatients with neuropathy were selected for the study. Pyridoxal phosphate was administered orally 60 mg a day for 15-200 days. Twenty of the cases showed more or less an improvement of subjective and/or objective symptoms of neuropathy. The curative effects on both neuralgic pain of extremities and sensory disturbances such as paresthesia or hypesthesia were remarkable, but less amelioration was seen in autonomic dysfunctions. The mean motor nerve conduction velocity of right ulnar nerve was significantly increased from 49.9±0.8 m/sec to 52.1±O.7 m/sec after the treatment. The clinical effects of pyridoxal phosphate was remarkable especially in the cases with good diabetic control and without vascular complications. The role of vitamin B_6 in the metabolism of carbohydrate, lipid and amino acids was discussed from the point of its influence on nervous dysfunction.