Prevalence and Determinants of Painful and Painless Neuropathy in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Assessment of neuropathy subtypes in type 1 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), a common complication of diabetes, can manifest as small, large, or mixed fiber neuropathy (SFN, LFN, and MFN, respectively), depending on the type of fibers involved. Despite evidence indicating small fiber involvement prior to large fiber involvement in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)-associated DPN, no evidence has been produced to determine the more prevalent subtype. We aim to determine the more prevalent type of nerve fiber damage-SFN, LFN, and MFN-in T1DM-associated DPN, both with and without pain.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, participants (n=216) were divided into controls; T1DM; T1DM with non-painful DPN (NP-DPN); and T1DM with painful DPN (P-DPN). DPN was further subgrouped based on neuropathy severity. The more prevalent type of fiber damage was determined applying small and large fiber-specific tests and three diagnostic models: model 1 (≥1 abnormal test); model 2 (≥2 abnormal tests); and model 3 (≥3 abnormal tests).

RESULTS

MFN showed the highest prevalence in T1DM-associated DPN. No differences in neuropathy subtype were found between NP-DPN and P-DPN. DPN, with prevalent SFN plateaus between models 2 and 3. All models showed increased prevalence of MFN according to DPN severity. Model 3 showed increased DPN with prevalent LFN in early neuropathy. DPN with prevalent SFN demonstrated a similar, but non-significant pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

DPN primarily manifests as MFN in T1DM, with no differentiation between NP-DPN and P-DPN. Additionally, we propose model 2 as an initial criterion for diagnosing DPN with a more prevalent SFN subtype in T1DM. Lastly, the study suggests that in mild stages of DPN, one type of nerve fiber (either small or large) is more susceptible to damage.

Prevalence of Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Among Saudi Patients With Diabetes in Al Ahsa: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and aim Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common long-term complications of diabetes. A frequent presentation of neuropathy is painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN), which is associated with morbidity and disability among patients with diabetes. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of PDPN and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attending primary healthcare (PHC) in Al Ahsa. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with diabetes at National Guard PHC clinics in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. An interview-administered questionnaire was used to collect information about clinicodemographic characteristics, and the Douleur Neuropathique-4 (DN4) questionnaire was used to identify the presence of PDPN.  Results A total of 342 patients with T2DM were included. The prevalence of PDPN was 29.8%. Patients' ages ranged from 25-70 years, with a mean age of 48.5 ± 12.3 years. The majority were female (118, 52.6%), with obesity detected among 115 (33.6%) individuals. Significant predictors of PDPN included noncompliance to treatment (odds ratio [OR] = 5.9, P = 0.001), female gender (OR = 3.5, P = 0.001), presence of other comorbidities (OR = 1.7, P = 0.001), and diabetes duration exceeding 15 years (OR = 1.5, P = 0.001). Conclusions This study revealed that PDPN was frequent among patients with diabetes in Al Ahsa, which was at an intermediate frequency relative to reported national and global literature levels. Identifying patients who are at high risk and implementing timely interventions are crucial.

Microbiological and Physiological Effects of Pain

Pain is an important innate defense mechanism that can dramatically alter a person's quality of life. Understanding the microbiological and physiological effects of pain may be important in the pursuit of novel pain interventions. The three descriptors of pain recognized by the International Association for the Study of Pain are nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain. Our review examined the current understanding of all three pain types, focusing on the key molecules involved in the manifestation of each type as well as physiological effects. Additionally, we compared the differences in painful and painless neuropathies and discussed the neuroimmune interaction involved in the manifestation of pain.

Amazon Amandaba-Prevalence, Risk Factors and Self-Care Perception Associated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is a gradual loss of protective sensation in the skin and the function of the foot joints, increasing the risk of injury as the disease progresses. The objective of this study was to verify whether socioeconomic factors, health risk factors, and self-care are associated with DPN.

METHODS

Observational cross-sectional with 228 individuals of ≥30 years in Family Health Strategies in a city in the eastern Amazon, in northern Brazil, using questionnaires containing socioeconomic information, clinical and laboratory parameters, the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire, and the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DPN was 66.6%. The presence of neuropathy is associated with male gender, dyslipidemia, and increased microalbuminuria. Logistic regression analysis revealed male subjects' increased BMI and altered HDL levels were associated with DPN.

CONCLUSIONS

In men with altered BMI, and dysregulation in biochemical parameters, neuropathy is more prevalent.

Prevention and Management Strategies for Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes that is becoming an increasing concern as the prevalence of diabetes rapidly rises. There are several types of DN, but the most prevalent and studied type is distal symmetrical polyneuropathy, which is the focus of this review and is simply referred to as DN. It can lead to a wide range of sensorimotor and psychosocial symptoms and is a major risk factor for diabetic foot ulceration and Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy, which are associated with high rates of lower limb amputation and mortality. The prevention and management of DN are thus critical, and clinical guidelines recommend several strategies for these based on the best available evidence. This article aims to provide a narrative review of DN prevention and management strategies by discussing these guidelines and the evidence that supports them. First, the epidemiology and diverse clinical manifestations of DN are summarized. Then, prevention strategies such as glycemic control, lifestyle modifications and footcare are discussed, as well as the importance of early diagnosis. Finally, neuropathic pain management strategies and promising novel therapies under investigation such as neuromodulation devices and nutraceuticals are reviewed.

Redefining distal symmetrical polyneuropathy features in type 1 diabetes: a systematic review

Diabetic neuropathy is among the most frequent complications of both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and commonly manifests as a distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN). Despite evidence that T1DM- and T2DM-related DSPN are separate entities, most of our knowledge on diabetic DSPN derives from studies focused on type 2 diabetes. This systematic review provides an overview of current evidence on DSPN in T1DM, including its epidemiological, pathophysiological and clinical features, along with principal diagnostic tests findings. This review included 182 clinical and preclinical studies. The results indicate that DSPN is a less frequent complication in T1DM compared with T2DM and that distinctive pathophysiological mechanisms underlie T1DM-related DSPN development, with hyperglycemia as a major determinant. T1DM-related DSPN more frequently manifests with non-painful than painful symptoms, with lower neuropathic pain prevalence compared with T2DM-associated DSPN. The overt clinical picture seems characterized by a higher prevalence of large fiber-related clinical signs (e.g., ankle reflexes reduction and vibration hypoesthesia) and to a lesser extent small fiber damage (e.g., thermal or pinprick hypoesthesia). These findings as a whole suggest that large fibers impairment plays a dominant role in the clinical picture of symptomatic T1DM-related DSPN. Nevertheless, small fiber diagnostic testing shows high diagnostic accuracy in detecting early nerve damage and may be an appropriate diagnostic tool for disease monitoring and screening.

Magnitude and associated factors of peripheral neuropathy among diabetes patients attending Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Chronic complications of diabetes (DM) are a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Of these, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common. Screening using validated tools for DPN is crucial to prevent consequent complications. One of the useful tools for DPN screening in clinical practice is the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). However, there is limited information on DPN in the study area. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of DPN and its determinants among patients with type one DM (T1DM) attending Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) from January 2 to March 31, 2020.

METHODS

An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted and DPN was assessed using MNSI. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaire and entered into EPI data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. A variable having a p-value of <0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression analysis were subjected to multivariable logistic regression analysis to avoid confounding variable's effect. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated at 95% confidence interval (CI) and considered significant with a p-value of ≤0.05 in the final model.

RESULTS

A total of 217 study participants with T1DM who met inclusion criteria were recruited consecutively during the study period. Their mean age was 43 ± 15.5 years and the overall prevalence of DPN was 37.3% among study participants. The independent predictors of DPN identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis were increasing age [age of 40-49 years (AOR = 3.80; 95% CI: 1.30, 10.60), age of ≥50 years (AOR = 6.50; 95% CI: 2.50, 16.50)], smoking habit [current smoker (AOR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.20, 9.50; former smoker (AOR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.60, 6.80)] and comorbid hypertension (AOR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1, 5.40).

CONCLUSION

The magnitude of DPN among DM patients at JUMC was high. Early detection and appropriate management is vital particularly for these with increasing age, comorbid hypertension and smoking habit.

Roles of AMPK and Its Downstream Signals in Pain Regulation

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional state that decreases quality of life. A metabolic sensor, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cells, has recently attracted interest as a new target of pain research. Abnormal AMPK expression and function in the peripheral and central nervous systems are associated with various types of pain. AMPK and its downstream kinases participate in the regulation of neuron excitability, neuroinflammation and axonal and myelin regeneration. Numerous AMPK activators have reduced pain behavior in animal models. The current understanding of pain has been deepened by AMPK research, but certain issues, such as the interactions of AMPK at each step of pain regulation, await further investigation. This review examines the roles of AMPK and its downstream kinases in neurons and non-neuronal cells, as well as their contribution to pain regulation.

The prevalence of pain among patients with chronic kidney disease using systematic review and meta-analysis

Pain is a common but often undertreated symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a much higher prevalence than in the general population. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize all available quantitative evidence, in order to gain a better understanding of pain prevalence and pain types in patients with CKD. Four databases and the grey literature were searched until 15th January 2021. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted with multiple subgroup analyses and meta-regressions to further explore the between-study heterogeneity. The quality of studies included was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the level of evidence was determined using the GRADE approach. One hundred sixteen studies reported data on 40,678 individuals. Results from meta-analyses yielded an overall prevalence of 60% (95% confidence interval 56-64) for pain, 48% (42-55) for chronic pain and 10% (6-15) for neuropathic pain. The prevalence of pain was lower among kidney transplant recipients 46% (37-56) compared with patients undergoing dialysis 63% (57-68) and those with non-dialysis CKD 63% (55-70). Musculoskeletal pain appeared to be the most common pain symptom among patients with CKD managed conservatively 42% (28-56) or receiving dialysis 45% (36-55) whilst abdominal pain was most prevalent in kidney transplant recipients 41% (7-86). Thus, all subgroups of patients with CKD suffer from a high burden of pain. Hence, greater awareness and recognition of this issue is vital to inform policy and service provision in this area.

Factors associated with pain at the end-of-life among older adults in Mexico

OBJECTIVES

The goal of care at the end-of-life has changed in recent years to encompass not only the relief of suffering but also improve the quality of death. Palliative care offers a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to improving the quality of life and quality of care of individuals and their families facing illness at the end-of-life. This manuscript examines the end-of-life of older adults in Mexico and the factors associated with pain in this period of their life.

STUDY DESIGN

We used data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), a longitudinal panel study of adults 50 years and older in Mexico that is nationally representative of urban and rural areas and includes a next-of-kin questionnaire that captures the conditions during the last year of life of those who died. We used all four waves of data to construct a group of deceased individuals between 2001 and 2015, including information in the wave immediately before death and a complete next-of-kin questionnaire. We studied factors associated with pain at the end-of-life in this group.

METHODS

The dependent variable was pain reported over time among deceased individuals. We constructed pain categories based on whether the pain was reported in one or two waves (occasional and persistent), and the pain intensity reported (mild, moderate, or severe). We included independent variables previously reported to be related to pain, including sociodemographic, functional, and health characteristics. We used descriptive statistics and a multinomial regression model to examine the factors associated with pain in this group.

RESULTS

Pain was reported by 71.5% of older adults who died between 2001 and 2015. The prevalence of pain differed significantly by sociodemographic characteristics. Women had 1.69 higher odds of reporting severe pain than men. Compared to those with zero years of education, the odds of reporting severe pain were 0.72 for those with 1-6 years of education (P < 0.05) and 0.55 for those with more than 7 years (P < 0.001). Poor self-reported health, arthritis, taking more medications, depression, and functional limitations in the wave prior to death were associated with higher odds of persistent pain at the end-of-life (P < 0.05). Conversely, older age, more years of education, and diabetes were associated with lower odds of persistent pain (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of pain among older Mexican adults is high at the end-of-life. Sociodemographic factors, some chronic diseases, number of medications, psychosocial factors, and functional status impact the odds of reporting pain in this group at the end-of-life. Providing education to families on psychosocial interventions to improve the quality of care at the end-of-life is a pressing need in Mexico. These findings provide information to help policymakers and healthcare providers in Mexico improve the quality of care at the end-of-life.

Prevalence and associated factors of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy among diabetic patients on follow up at Jimma University Medical Center

BACKGROUND

Despite having significant impact on the patient's quality of life, painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) is usually underdiagnosed. Screening for PDPN in patients with diabetes is needed in order to get timely identification and management. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of PDPN among diabetes patients attending outpatient at Jimma University Medical Center from September 1 November 10, 2019.

METHODS

Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted and douleur neuropathique-4 was used to identify the presence of PDPN. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaire and entered into EPI data 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with PDPN. Variable having a p value of <0.25 in the bivariate model were considered as candidates for multivariable regression. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated at 95%CI and considered significant with a p value of <0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 366 diabetic patients were enrolled into the study and their mean duration of diabetes was 6.8 ± 5.3 years. The study finding showed that the prevalence of PDPN was 14.5%. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis smoking [current smoker(AOR = 6.17; 95%CI:2.25,16.86),former smoker(AOR = 3.22;95%CI:1.29,8.03)],diabetes duration[5 to 10 years (AOR = 3.32;95%CI:1.29,8.53), ≥ 10 years (AOR = 8.86;95% CI: 3.49,22.5)] and comorbid hypertension [AOR = 2.54; 95%CI:1.17,5.49] were independent predictors of PDPN among study participants.

CONCLUSION

The overall prevalence of PDPN in this study was 14.5% and it was significantly associated with smoking, comorbid hypertension and diabetes duration of above 5 years. Early detection and appropriate interventions are important for high risk patients identified in the current study.