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Diabetes and pain: a focus on polyneuropathy on World Diabetes Day
An often underestimated but very stressful consequence of diabetes is the pain that can be caused by nerve damage.
In the following video, Stephanie Haack, as a patient and patient voice, talks about the role of diabetic polyneuropathy in diabetes treatment, early detection and treatment options for patients.
About a third of people with diabetes develop diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN)1. The symptoms of this condition are varied: some patients feel tingling, pins and needles, or burning or crawling in the affected parts of the body. Others suffer from pain that comes and goes for no apparent reason or they experience a numbness in the skin. These symptoms can significantly impact wellbeing and lead to serious complications such as open wounds or ulcers on the feet that can easily become infected without being noticed.2,3
A comprehensive study3 by professor Tesfaye and colleagues, which surveyed patients from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom, provides insights into the challenges faced by patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN):
- Pain intensity: 79% of respondents rated their daily pain moderate or severe.
- Impact on daily life: Pain affected sleep (74%), mood (71%), movement (69%), concentration (64%) and daily activities (62%). 75% of employed participants missed work due to their pain.
- Diagnosis and treatment: 50% of respondents had not received a formal pDPN diagnosis, and 56% had not used prescribed pain medications.
The results show that diagnosis of pDPN is often delayed, leading to a decline in patients' quality of life. Early recognition and an accurate diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment. pDPN has a significant impact on the daily lives of those affected. Pain, sleep disorders and emotional distress are common side effects that greatly impair quality of life.
Those affected should, therefore, not hesitate to talk about their pDPN symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve their quality of life. It is important that patients share their experiences and complaints with their doctors to receive the best possible support.
Doctors and other healthcare professionals should be alert to signs of pDPN in their patients and ask specifically about symptoms such as stinging, tingling, burning, numbness or unusual sensations. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to improving quality of life for those affected.