The present invention provides methods of treatment of patients suffering from the complications of
blood sugar disorders: diabetic
peripheral neuropathy and
diabetic nephropathy by administration of IGF-1 via
protein therapy or
gene therapy. It relates to methods of treating an individual having a diabetic disorder or a hyperglycemic disorder, comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of
a DNA vector expressing IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec
in vivo or an effective amount of at the IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec
protein in the early
hyperalgesia stage or in patients that have advanced to the hyposensitivity stage. Treatment at the early
hyperalgesia stage prevents subsequent hyposensitivity with increases or maintenance of
sensory nerve function. IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec treatment also increases
muscle mass and improves overall mobility, which indicates a treatment-related improvement in
motor function. Treatment with IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec at the hyposensitivity stage reverses hyposensitivity and improves
muscle mass and overall health. Systemic IGF-1 provides a therapeutic modality for treating hyposensitivity associated with DPN. In addition, IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec provides a therapeutic modality for treating
diabetic nephropathy. IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec improves
renal function as evidenced by a modulation in
serum albumin concentration and a reduction in
urine volume and
protein levels. IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec also reduces diabetic
glomerulosclerosis.