Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) remains one of the most underdiagnosed complications affecting individuals with diabetes, yet it is a condition that silently debilitates many. Research indicates that 50% of people with diabetes and 10% of those in the pre-diabetic stage suffer from PN, a painful condition that typically impacts the extremities.
PN is a type of nerve damage that affects the peripheral nervous system, responsible for controlling bodily functions, sensations in the hands, and muscle movements. Common symptoms of this condition include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and stabbing pain, especially in the feet and hands.
As Type 2 Diabetes continues to rise globally, it remains the leading cause of PN. The increasing prevalence of diabetes correlates closely with a higher incidence of nerve damage. Dr. Bien Matawaran, a consultant in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at UST Hospital and former president of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, explains that a 2000 study in the Philippines found that 42% of diabetic patients experienced neuropathy. However, due to the subtlety of its early stages, many people are unaware they are at risk. “Risk factors are often not immediately obvious, which is why early detection is critical,” Dr. Matawaran emphasized.
Beyond diabetes, other risk factors for PN include B vitamin deficiencies, polypharmacy (use of multiple medications for chronic conditions), obesity, chemotherapy, surgery, alcohol use, smoking, and nutritional deficiencies. Although often thought to affect only older adults or those with chronic health conditions, PN can also impact younger, seemingly healthy individuals.
The condition typically develops gradually, beginning with mild symptoms that many patients may not recognize. As the disease progresses, it severely impacts mobility, making everyday activities like walking, driving, and cooking difficult. Patients may not even notice foot injuries until it’s too late due to the sensory loss caused by nerve damage. Dr. Rizaldy Pinzon, a neurologist at Bethesda Hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, notes that by the time many individuals seek medical attention, nerve damage has already progressed to an advanced stage, and the damage is often irreversible. “Once more than 50% of nerve fibers are damaged, regeneration is no longer possible,” he explains.
To address this, P&G Health has launched the Neurometer Pro, a digital tool designed to aid in early diagnosis of PN. This simple five-question self-screening questionnaire, developed by a team of experts from around the world, can be used by patients to assess their risk of nerve damage. Available for free in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the Neurometer Pro helps expedite diagnosis, empowering patients to take early action and prevent long-term complications associated with PN.
Treatment options for PN often include a combination of Neurotrophic B vitamins, such as B1, B6, and B12. These vitamins not only alleviate symptoms but also enhance nerve function, improving reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory perception in patients. With timely diagnosis and proper care, patients can prevent the worsening of this debilitating condition.
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