Ear stimulation device shows promise for diabetic nerve pain

NCT ID NCT06292962

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Saima Abass Tahammal Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a non-invasive ear-clip device that gently stimulates the vagus nerve to see if it can reduce pain in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. 185 adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic nerve pain used the device or a sham version twice daily for 12 weeks. The trial measured changes in pain levels, inflammation, and nerve health to determine if this drug-free approach could offer relief.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: non-invasive transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a safe, drug-free way to ease chronic nerve pain in people with diabetes, potentially reducing reliance on pain medications.
What could go wrong: This is a completed trial, but results are not yet published. The effect may be small or no better than a sham device, and benefits may not apply to everyone with diabetic neuropathy.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diabetes mellitus diabetic neuropathy neuralgia Pain type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DIABETES MELLITUS DIABETIC NEUROPATHIES NEUROPATHIC PAIN TYPE2DIABETES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shifa Hospital

Lahore, Pakistan

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