Clinical Research Directory

The Effect of Pyridoxamine Supplementation on Microvascular Function in Type 2 Diabetes

Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing vascular complications. Microvascular dysfunction might be caused by the increased production of methylglyoxal under hyperglycaemic conditions. Methylglyoxal is a by-product of glycolysis and forms advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) on proteins and DNA, thereby disrupting their function. Preventing methylglyoxal accumulation and AGEs formation may offer a therapeutic option for treating microvascular complications in diabetics. Pyridoxamine is a vitamin B6 vitamer that scavenges methylglyoxal and thereby inhibits the formation of AGEs. In this study, the researchers investigate whether pyridoxamine supplementation in type 2 diabetes improves microvascular function in the eye, kidney and skin, and reduces markers of endothelial dysfunction and glycation.

Characterization and Prediction of Early Onset Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Predicting early onset neuropathy in people with type 1 diabetes

Neuroprosthetic Device for Improving Issues Caused by Diabetic Neuropathy With Specifically Designed Neural Stimulation

Neuropathy refers to a condition that results from damage to the peripheral nerves.The most common cause of it is diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorder that affects more than 422 million individuals worldwide, putting a huge strain on the healthcare system and up to 50% of these individuals will develop neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by sensory nerve abnormalities such as an impaired sense of touch. Sensory loss in feet can lead to functional deficits during gait, low balance, and increased risk of falls and is considered the strongest risk factor for diabetic foot ulceration. Moreover, these patients usually also suffer from neuropathic pain, which is believed to be associated with aberrant sensory input. With this in mind, the study aims to understand the effects of restoring sensation lost to neuropathy using transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Additionally, the investigators aim to understand if electrical stimulation of the damaged nerves can reduce health consequences such as chronic pain. To achieve this, the investigators have developed a wearable sensory restoration system that can restore lost sensation with non-invasive, precisely controlled electrical stimulation through electrodes integrated into the sock garment. A system is composed of a system controller that communicates via Bluetooth with force-sensitive insoles placed in the shoes and neurostimulators directly connected to electrode array socks. Based on the insole recordings the stimulation parameters are defined in real-time, making it a closed-loop system for restoring somatotopic sensory feedback.