Sari A, et al. - Researchers conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled study including patients with diabetic neuropathic pain and low vitamin D levels in order to ascertain the effect of vitamin D replacement therapy on neuropathic symptoms and balance in these patients. Among the 258 patients, they included a total of 57 volunteers (32 in the treatment and 25 in the control arm) who met the inclusion criteria. In the treatment group, the patients received intramuscular (IM) injection with 300,000 IU vitamin D in a liquid formulation and in the placebo group, IM injection with physiological saline was provided to the patients. From baseline to the study endpoint, the patients in the treatment group showed a significant decrease in total Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4: used for assessing symptoms of neuropathic pain) scores, showed a significant increase in Berg balance test (BBT: used for assessing balance) scores and showed a significant decrease in electric shock and burning sensation scores when compared with the patients in the placebo group. Findings thereby support measuring vitamin D levels and administering vitamin D replacement therapy as required to resolve neuropathic symptoms and to improve balance in patients with diabetic neuropathic pain.