Diabetic neuropathy is a common problem for people with Type 2 Diabetes. It can cause pain, numbness, and changes in how nerves work. Learning why this happens is important because it may help researchers find new ways to care for people with this condition. If you join this study, you will have two visits at CU Anschutz. Your first visit is a screening visit. At this visit, the study team will ask about your health, your medications, and your medical history. Your vitals will be checked, and you will give a blood sample. You will get instructions to fill out a three-day nutrition diary at home. A doctor will give you a physical and neurological exam. If you qualify to continue, you will come back for a second visit within thirty days. At this visit you give another blood sample and a urine sample. You will turn in your nutrition diary. You will also have a test that looks at your blood pressure, heart rate, and how your skin reacts. You will also have small skin biopsies from your lower leg and thigh. A numbing medicine will be used before each biopsy. Each biopsy takes a small circle of skin about three millimeters wide. If you have not had a nerve conduction study at the University of Colorado Hospital in the last six months, you will also have this test. In this test, small sticky pads are placed on your skin. Mild electrical pulses check how your nerves send signals. You may also fill out questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, thinking, and quality of life.

Who can Participate

You may be able to join this study if you are 18-65 years old and can attend two research visits at CU Anschutz. The study includes adults with Type 2 Diabetes, with or without neuropathy. It also includes adults who do not have diabetes or neuropathy and are in good general health. The study team will review your health information to make sure you meet the study requirements.

Study ID