Pharmacologic management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.

INTRODUCTION Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) is a debilitating and distressing complication that occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus. This article provides an overview of diabetic peripheral neuropathy focusing on DPNP. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the diagnosis, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy and neuropathic pain. A comprehensive and systematic Medline search of the published literature for treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was done from 1965 to December 2012. Studies not in English language were excluded. EXPERT OPINION Neuropathic pain is difficult to treat, and patients rarely experience complete pain relief. Despite several pharmacological agents being used in the treatment of DPNP, only duloxetine and pregabalin have evidence-based support for controlling DPNP.