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neuropathy newsletter |
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Promising New Therapy for Diabetic Neuropathy May 2005 Aldose Reductase Inhibitor Diabetic neuropathy can cause loss of sensation, pain, and weakness in the arms and legs; in more severe cases, it can lead to amputations. The mechanism of nerve injury is complex, but experiments show that an important step in the development of diabetic neuropathy is the conversion of excess glucose to sorbitol by an enzyme called Aldose Reductase. This conversion can disrupt normal nerve functions and cause permanent damage. Currently the only known treatments that are available in the United states to prevent or slow the progression of diabetic neuropathy are agents that control blood sugar levels. However, maintaining normal blood glucose levels at all times is difficult for many patients. Now there appears to be a promising new drug, AS-3201, that inhibits Aldose Reductase, preventing the conversion to sorbitol. In a recent study headed by Dr. Vera Bril at the University of Toronto, the drug was shown to reduce sorbitol levels by 65-84% and improve the neuropathy in nerve conduction studies. |
