Assessment of the Relationship between IGF-1 and Painful Diabetic Neuropathy in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background IGF-1 has been presented to restore micro-circulation in damaged nerves along with functional recovery, hence suggesting protective effects of growth factors against the development of neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus. Objective To assess the relationship between insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and painful diabetic neuropathy (DNP) in diabetic patients. Patients and Methods This study was conducted at the diabetes outpatient clinic at Ain Shams University Hospital, during the period from April 2023 to September 2023. Patients were randomly selected according to the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. A written informed consent was taken from all subjects included in the study. Results The differences in diagnostic methodologies could partially account for this difference. Ethnic differences in predisposition and differential exposure to risk factors are other probable mechanisms. Conclusion IGF-1 was protective against the development of DPN in patients with DM and was protective against neuropathic pain. Patients with DPN exhibit dysregulated IGF-1, which is thought to contribute to the development of DPN. In fact, studies report lower systemic IGF-1 levels in people with diabetes with DPN compared to those without. As such, therapeutically raising IGF-1 levels may be a promising avenue for the prevention and treatment of DPN.