A glance to diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Neuropathic pain is defined as "pain initiated or caused by a primary lesion or dysfunction in the nervous system." Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) affects 16% of patients with diabetes, and it is frequently unreported (12.5%) and more frequently untreated (39%). Neuropathic pain is poorly managed by NSAIDs, and opioids have limited effectiveness because high doses are associated with adverse events. Treatments are needed for neuropathic pain that are effective but that cause a minimal risk of dependence or of other negative impacts on a patient's quality of life. Currently 2 medications are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of DPNP: Duloxetine hydrochloride and Pregabalin. Duloxetine is an antidepressant while Pregabalin is a chemical analogue of the mammalian neurotransmitter γ-amino butyric acid (GABA). Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication in diabetes mellitus and it compromises patient quality of life and often end up with hospitalization. In addition the condition may also cause a marked increase in total cost of illness