Diabetic Neuropathy Improved with Korean Medicine Combination Therapy Including KyungHee Gongjin-dan : A Case Report

Background: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common diabetes mellitus complication causing sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction that impairs quality of life. Conventional treatments, such as analgesics and anticonvulsants provide only symptomatic relief with side effects. This case report describes a patient with DN who showed improvement with Korean medicine combination therapy, including Kyung Hee Gongjin-dan, after partial response to conventional treatment.Case presentation: A 54-year-old male with DN had progressive symmetrical pain and paresthesia in lower limbs and trunk with dizziness and abdominal discomfort. Despite oral medication administration, symptoms persisted. During his 23 days of hospitalization, he received Korean medicines, including Kyung Hee Gongjin-dan, herbal medicines (Banchong-san, Sibimikwanjung-tang, and Ssanghwa-tang), acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and moxibustion.Results: Treatment reduced lower limb pain from Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score of 7-8 to 2, with complete resolution of truncal pain. Peak pain episodes decreased from >150 to <10 per day, with intensity declining from NRS 9-10 to 4. The dizziness subsided and disappeared post-discharge.Conclusions: This case suggests that Korean medicine combination therapy with Kyung Hee Gongjin-dan, may effectively relieve symptom in patients with DN with peripheral and autonomic involvement unresponsive to conventional therapies.