Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Pathophysiology and Pain Management

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the most common cause of neuropathy in the Western world. There are 12,000,000 patients with non-insulin dependent DM (NIDDM) in the USA and 1,000,000 patients with insulin dependent DM (IDDM). At present 20% of people more than 65 years old have DM, by 2010 it will be more than 30%. Neuropathy occurs in NIDDM and IDDM, but may develop sooner after diagnosis in NIDDM. Medication selection should be individualized, considering side effects, potent beneficial or deleterious effects on comorbidities, and whether prompt onset of pain relief is necessary.