Psychosocial Care for People With Diabetic Neuropathy: Time for Action

Overview

Journal Diabetes Care

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2023 Dec 20

PMID 38117989

Authors

Frans Pouwer

Kara Mizokami-Stout

Neil D Reeves

Rodica Pop-Busui

Solomon Tesfaye

Andrew J M Boulton

Loretta Vileikyte

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Psychological factors and psychosocial care for individuals with diabetic neuropathy (DN), a common and burdensome complication of diabetes, are important but overlooked areas. In this article we focus on common clinical manifestations of DN, unremitting neuropathic pain, postural instability, and foot complications, and their psychosocial impact, including depression, anxiety, poor sleep quality, and specific problems such as fear of falling and fear of amputation. We also summarize the evidence regarding the negative impact of psychological factors such as depression on DN, self-care tasks, and future health outcomes. The clinical problem of underdetection and undertreatment of psychological problems is described, together with the value of using brief assessments of these in clinical care. We conclude by discussing trial evidence regarding the effectiveness of current pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches and also future directions for developing and testing new psychological treatments for DN and its clinical manifestations.

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