Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy – A Survey of Patient Experiences

Abstract

Purpose

An online survey was conducted in the USA to obtain information about the knowledge and experiences of patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN).

Patients and Methods

506 adults with diabetes and pDPN affecting the feet for ≥6 months, for which pain medication had been prescribed for ≥6 months, completed an online survey questionnaire in March 2021.

Results

79% of respondents had type 2 diabetes, 60% were male, 82% were Caucasian and 87% had comorbidities. Pain was significant to severe in 49% of respondents, and 66% had disability due to nerve pain. Anticonvulsants, over-the-counter pills and supplements were the most commonly used medications. Topical creams/patches were prescribed in 23% of respondents. 70% had tried multiple medications for their pain. 61% of respondents had to see ≥2 doctors before receiving a correct diagnosis of pDPN. 85% of respondents felt that the doctor understood their pain and its impact on their life. 70% had no difficulty finding the information they wanted. 34% felt insufficiently informed about their condition. A medical professional was the primary, and most trusted, source of information. Frustration, worry, anxiety and uncertainty were the most commonly reported emotions. Respondents were generally eager to find new medications for pain relief and desperate for a cure. Lifestyle changes because of nerve pain were most commonly associated with physical disabilities and sleep disturbance. Better treatments and freedom from pain were the overriding perspectives when considering the future.

Conclusion

Patients with pDPN are generally well informed about their pain and trust their doctor but remain unsatisfied with their current treatment and struggle to find a lasting solution for their pain. Early identification and diagnosis of pain in diabetics, and education about treatments, is important to minimize the impact of pain on quality of life and emotional well-being.

Keywords:

• painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• nerve pain
• foot pain
• online survey

Abbreviations

DN, diabetic neuropathy; DPN, diabetic peripheral neuropathy; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; HCP, health-care professional; OTC, over-the-counter; pDPN, painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy; QoL, quality of life.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge Lindsay Colbert, Executive Director, Foundation of Peripheral Neuropathy, who reviewed the questionnaire and provided insights before execution of the project. Professional medical writing support was provided by Jon Monk and David P. Figgitt PhD, ISMPP CMPP™, Content Ed Net, with funding from Averitas Pharma (A Grünenthal Company).

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

Alaa A Abd-Elsayed is a consultant for Medtronic, Avanos, Abbott, Sprint, and Averitas Pharma. Lizandra P Marcondes and Zachary B Loris are employees of Averitas Pharma (A Grünenthal Company). Dan Reilly was an employee of SMS Research Advisors. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

The research and survey were conducted by SMS Research Advisors with funding from Averitas Pharma (A Grünenthal Company). Panel respondents were compensated for their participation in the survey.