Painful nerve damage threatens quality of life in type 2 diabetes

A recent study done in Wales looked at the prevalence and impact in that country of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in the legs and arms). All 300 people participating in the study had type 2 diabetes. About 20% of them were found to have painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, with pain below the knees in both legs, unrelated to activity and often worse at night. In most cases (80%), the pain was moderate or severe. Quality of life was found to be lower for those with that type of pain than for those with pain not related to nerve damage or those with no pain. Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It can be symptom-free, or it can cause a loss of feeling or strength in the limb, a pricking sensation, or pain that can persist for years. Uncontrolled blood glucose can raise the risk for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. (Diabetes Care)