Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is one of the most prevalent complications of diabetes—affecting up to 50% of individuals over their lifetime. It stems from chronic hyperglycemia and microvascular damage leading to nerve injury in the feet and legs. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning pain, and loss of protective sensation, increasing risk of ulcers and falls.
Management emphasizes tight glycemic control, foot care, and lifestyle modifications. First-line pain treatments include duloxetine, pregabalin, and gabapentin; second-line options include other antidepressants, opioid-like agents, topical therapies, and non-invasive neuromodulation (e.g., TENS). Refractory cases benefit significantly from spinal cord stimulation.