Multicenter RCT of Eye-Brain Imaging in Diabetes Neurovascular Coupling

This study intends to take the critical pathological mechanism of diabetic neurovascular coupling injury (NCI) as the starting point and utilize multi-modal imaging (MMI) technology of the eyes and brain as a means to conduct in-depth, integrated, and interdisciplinary research with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome studies. The aim is to establish diagnostic and therapeutic standards for diabetic NCI, based on Eye-Brain Multimodal Imaging technology, providing objective and quantitative evidence for early disease diagnosis and therapeutic effect evaluation. Simultaneously, investigators will conduct multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials to systematically investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Tangshen'an Granule in preventing and treating diabetic NCI. By obtaining high-quality evidence-based data on TCM, this study aims to enhance the level of prevention and treatment with TCM and clinical service capabilities, thereby providing new ideas and directions for research.

Diabetes mellitus(DM) is a prevalent condition that often leads to neurovascular coupling impairment (NCI), which has been shown to be intimately associated with diabetic retinopathy and cognitive decline. Given the critical need for early diagnosis and effective treatment, eye-brain multimodal imaging(MMI) technology has emerged as a promising tool in this field. This study focuses on establishing a comprehensive and standardized approach for diagnosing and treating diabetic NCI through the utilization of eye-brain MMI technology accompanied by assessing the effectiveness and potential therapeutic benefits of the traditional Chinese medicine compound, Tangshen'an Granule, in the management of diabetic NCI.

A pool of standard diagnostic and therapeutic entries for diabetic NCI syndromes using eye-brain MMI technology is planned to be established through database retrieval and refined by expert questionnaire surveys to formulate the relevant standards. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical evaluation study of Tangshen'an Granules in treating diabetic NCI (kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome) patients from specific hospitals will be conducted. Diagnostic criteria involve diabetes diagnosis and specific requirements of multiple eye-brain imaging and cognitive assessment tools. Eligibility criteria include inclusion and exclusion conditions. Randomization and blinding are properly implemented. The intervention includes basic therapy with different drug administrations in the experimental and control groups. The trial lasts 24 weeks. Primary outcomes are evaluated by various eye-brain imaging and cognitive assessment means. Secondary outcomes involve TCM symptom scores, glycemic indicators, and quality of life questionnaire. Safety indicators are monitored. Data is analyzed using Intent-To-Treat (ITT) analysis.

The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ethical approval number:2023KL-056). Informed consent is planned to be obtained from all participants. The study results will be reported in academic meetings and peer-reviewed journals to promote the development of diagnostic and treatment standards for diabetic NCI.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants who comply with the diagnostic criteria for DM according to the World Health Organization in 1999.

  * Participants who fulfill the diagnostic criteria for diabetic NCI.

    ③ Participants who diagnosed with the syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stasis according to TCM syndrome differentiation.

    ④ Participants who have a glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c) level of ≤9%.

    ⑤ Participants who are aged between 18 and 70 years inclusive, with no gender preference.

    ⑥Participants who sign informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants exhibiting retinopathy induced by alternative etiological factors (including retinal vein occlusion, age-related macular degeneration(AMD), alongside cognitive impairments stemming from endocrine-metabolic disturbances, sleep disorders.

  * Participants suffering from acute diabetic complications (such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state).

    * Participants with significant dysfunction in the heart, liver, kidney, or autoimmune disorders.

      ④Participants unable to cooperate due to mental health issues, intellectual disabilities, or similar conditions that impede their participation in the trial.

      ⑤Participants who are allergic to the intervention used in this study.

      ⑥Participants who have engaged in other trials within the past three months or are currently enrolled in another study.

      ⑦Female participants who are in the process of trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are lactating.