Assessment of pain and impact of care among patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), evaluate the impact of DPN on patients' function and quality of life, and assess patient satisfaction with their current DPN treatment. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Patient-centered medical home model at an internal medicine clinic in Chicago, from November 1, 2011, through November 1, 2012. Participants: 71 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes aged 45 to 85 years and receiving diabetes education and medication management from the clinic pharmacist. Intervention: Paper survey administered to patients during clinic visits. Main outcome measures: DPN history; DPN impact on activity level, sleep, and quality of life; and satisfaction with current DPN treatment. Results: Of the 71 participants, 22% (n = 15) reported a diagnosis of DPN from their providers; however, 54% (n = 37) reported burning, aching, or tenderness in their hands, arms, legs, or feet. More than 50% of patients with these symptoms had experienced them for more than 1 year. Fewer than one in five patients (14% [n = 5]) reporting symptoms indicative of painful DPN were receiving treatment. Conclusion: DPN may be underdiagnosed and undertreated in this patient population, which represents a potential opportunity for pharmacists to help patients with diabetes meet their quality of care goals.