Diabetic neuropathy

Patients should be encouraged to:

• Inspect their feet daily

• Wear appropriate, well-fitting footwear

• Promptly report any symptoms or signs of foot problems, including wounds or deformities

• Maintain optimal glucose control

• Understand how to manage hypoglycaemic episodes

• Attend regular clinic appointments to monitor and maintain optimal blood pressure and lipid levels.

If pharmacological intervention is required for painful DN, patients should be advised that although treatment can reduce their pain, it may not eliminate it entirely.[63]Price R, Smith D, Franklin G, et al. Oral and topical treatment of painful diabetic polyneuropathy: practice guideline update summary. Report of the AAN Guideline Subcommittee. Neurology. 2022 Jan 4;98(1):31-43. https://n.neurology.org/content/98/1/31 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34965987?tool=bestpractice.com Setting realistic expectations is crucial to improve treatment satisfaction and adherence.[63]Price R, Smith D, Franklin G, et al. Oral and topical treatment of painful diabetic polyneuropathy: practice guideline update summary. Report of the AAN Guideline Subcommittee. Neurology. 2022 Jan 4;98(1):31-43. https://n.neurology.org/content/98/1/31 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34965987?tool=bestpractice.com