16_4_3
Volume 16, Number 4, pages 32 - 36
An update on the treatment and management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
By Jennifer Donnan, BScPharm, and Séadna Ledger, BScPharm
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a term that refers to disorders or damage of the peripheral nervous system and is a common consequence of many disease states such as diabetes, uremia, AIDS and nutritional deficiencies. Type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus are by far the most common causes of this condition which can be grouped into three main categories as shown in Table One. Patients may experience one or all of these symptoms (McPherson, 2006).
The exact mechanism of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is not entirely known. However, it is suspected that high glucose levels could contribute to changes in the metabolism of nerve cells.
Two main problems can result from loss or damage to the sensory nerve fibres. The first is a loss of the sensation of pain. This puts the patient at higher risk for foot infections, which can go unnoticed if proper foot care is not conducted on a regular basis. The second is the heightened sensation of pain and burning sensations that can be quite uncomfortable for the patient (ePodiatry.com, 2003).
Author Affiliation(s):
Jennifer Donnan, BScPharm, is a Clinical Pharmacist I, Eastern Health, St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Séadna Ledger, BScPharm, is a Renal Pharmacist, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario.