Potential Impact of Quercetin as Adjuvant Therapy to Gabapentin on Norfolk Quality of Life for Diabetic Neuropathy Patients

Abstract

Metabolic imbalances that are activated in the diabetic environment of hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and impaired of the insulin signaling are considered the key players in the development of diabetic neuropathy (DN). Animal studies have shown that, quercetin (QUR) could significantly improve both of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Therefore, QUR could effectively improve hyperglycemia, and anti-oxidation status in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A sample consist of 40 participants enrolled randomly into two groups; group A, 20 patients treated with gabapentin capsules 300 mg once daily at night for 3 consecutive months, and group B, 20 patients treated with gabapentin capsules 300 mg once daily at night plus quercetin 500 mg twice daily for 3 consecutive months. Adding quercetin is slightly better than dispensing gabapentin alone in relating to total Norfolk quality of life for diabetic neuropathy (Norfolk QOL-DN). Adding quercetin is very slightly better than dispensing gabapentin alone in relating to both of physical functioning/large fibers neuropathy domain and small fibers neuropathy domain. Some superiority of adding quercetin despite the insignificant p-value among the two groups in relating to both of activities of daily living domain and symptoms domain. Adding quercetin is slightly better than gabapentin alone in relating to autonomic neuropathy domain. Quercetin is better in increasing insulin secretion due to the highest C-peptide level beside a small degree in improving insulin sensitivity, as evidenced by failed to decrease fasting serum glucose, decreased HbA1c despite insignificant p-value, increased insulin level insignificantly, and increased C-peptide level significantly. The conclusion of this study is adding quercetin to patients with diabetic neuropathy has a slightly improving effect on Norfolk QOL-DN and has significant improving effect on increasing insulin secretion.