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The Diabetes Educator, Vol. 31, No. 4, 523-540 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/0145721705278800

TODAY'S EDUCATOR

Practical Management of Patients With Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Cynthia F. Corbett, PhD, RN

From the Intercollegiate College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane.

Correspondence to Cynthia F. Corbett, PhD, RN, Intercollegiate College of Nursing, Washington State University, 2917 West Fort George Wright Drive, Spokane, Washington 99224 (corbett{at}wsu.edu).

Purpose

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) has a significant impact on patients' quality of life, affecting sleep, mood, mobility, ability to work, interpersonal relationships, overall self-worth, and independence. The purpose of this article is to provide diabetes educators with current and essential tools for PDN assessment and management.

Methods

Medline and CINAHL database searches identified publications on the assessment and treatment of PDN. Identified research was evaluated, and information pertinent to diabetes educators was summarized.

Results

Recent advancements in assessment of neuropathic pain include identifying characteristics that distinguish between neuropathic and nonneuropathic pain. In the absence of treatment, research demonstrates that nerve damage may progress while pain diminishes. Many disease-modifying and symptom-management treatment options are available.

Conclusion

Good glycemic control is the first priority for both prevention and management of PDN. However, even with good glycemic control, up to 20% of patients will develop PDN. PDN recognition and assessment are critical to optimize management. Although several treatment modalities are available, few patients obtain complete pain relief. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain should lead to bettertreatment and patient outcomes. Combination therapy, including nonpharmacologic modalities, may be required. Research evaluating the efficacy of combination therapy is needed.


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