September marks Global Pain Awareness Month, a critical time to illuminate the significance of pain and its management. Chronic pain affects a staggering 30% of the global population, plaguing individuals for more than three months.
In an endeavor to comprehend the impact of neuropathic pain (NeP) and the unmet needs of diabetes sufferers, Viatris conducted a comprehensive survey involving 963 patients hailing from Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Mexico, and South Korea.
Neuropathic pain (NeP), arising from somatosensory nervous system disorders, constitutes 20-25% of chronic pain cases. Regrettably, it is frequently underdiagnosed, leading to inadequate treatment. One of the prime culprits of NeP is painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN), the most prevalent chronic complication of diabetes, resulting in agonizing nerve damage in the feet, legs, and hands.
Key Insights
One in four individuals with diabetes may develop painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN), profoundly affecting their daily lives and emotional well-being.
Patients’ Awareness and Diagnosis Experience
- In Malaysia, 68% of patients were cognizant of the connection between pain symptoms and diabetes before receiving a diagnosis.
- Globally, patients typically consulted physicians within four months of symptom onset, with diagnoses occurring within six months.
- Misdiagnosis remains a pressing issue in Malaysia, impacting 63% of respondents.
Impact of pDPN on patients
- pDPN significantly compromises various aspects of patients’ lives, emotionally and practically. A staggering 75% in Malaysia had to adapt their work schedules, with 61% taking extended leaves from work.
- Effects extend to mood (37%), participation in sports (48%), and sleep quality (37%).
- Remarkably, only 1 in 5 patients worldwide feel comfortable discussing their condition, citing fears of discrimination, workplace issues, and embarrassment.
The Imperative of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
- Early diagnosis and timely treatment are paramount for managing underlying diseases and enhancing life quality.
- In Malaysia, 58% of respondents are on prescription medications, with 23% expressing high satisfaction with their treatment.
- Other avenues of treatment include dietary supplements (55%), physiotherapy (48%), and herbal remedies (33%).
- Encouragingly, 48% of patients feel supported by loved ones, and 51% have learned to adapt to their condition.
Jeff Bote, Country Manager of Viatris Malaysia, emphasized their commitment to supporting individuals grappling with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, given the profound impact on their quality of life. They underscore the importance of raising awareness regarding early detection, access to proper treatment, and addressing the unmet needs and challenges faced by those with this condition.
In hindsight, one-third of patients worldwide would have sought advice earlier, avoided underestimating their symptoms, and communicated more effectively with their physicians. Patients express a need for more information on daily pain management (36%), increased public awareness (43%), and access to psychological support (47%).
