Efficacy of Sulbutiamine-a Fat Soluble Thiamine in the Management of Diabetic Symmetrical Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of sulbutiamine, a fat-soluble derivative of vitamin B1, in reducing pain
intensity among diabetic patients with painful symmetrical peripheral neuropathy (DSPN).
Material And Methods: Our quasi-experimental study involved 320 diabetic patients with painful symmetrical
peripheral neuropathy, selected through non-probability purposive sampling from the Institute of Endocrinology
and Metabolism, Services Hospital Lahore, between March 1, 2023, and August 31, 2023. Participants were
administered Sulbutiamine, a fat-soluble derivative of vitamin B1-thiamine, at a dosage of 200mg twice daily
over six weeks. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3 and 6 weeks, with efficacy evaluated based on a
minimum two-point improvement in pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.
Results: Demographic analysis revealed an average patient age of 59.49 years, a BMI of 30.10 kg/m , and a
slight male predominance (55.9%). The final efficacy of fat-soluble thiamine at the 6th week was 68.4%.
Stratified analysis highlighted significant variations in efficacy at 3rd and 6th weeks, emphasizing the influence
of variables such as age, comorbidities, and diabetes duration. Age, comorbidities, and diabetes duration exhi-
bited strong statistical significance (p < 0.05), indicating their impact on treatment outcomes, while other variables
demonstrated variable significance at different assessment points.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the administration of sulbutiamine, a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1, led to a note-
worthy reduction in pain among diabetic individuals suffering from painful symmetrical peripheral neuropathy.
This study underscores the potential of sulbutiamine as an effective intervention for managing DSPN, with
implications for improving the well-being of diabetic patients.
Keywords: Diabetic Symmetrical Peripheral Neuropathy, Efficacy, Fat-soluble vitamin B-1