This patient guideline summarizes key takeaways from
the current American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
guidelines for painful diabetic neuropathy.
This pocket guide is meant to be used by both patients
and their providers to ensure all parties are on the same
page throughout the care process.
Overview
Painful diabetic neuropathy is common.
• If you have diabetes, you should
discuss nerve pain with your doctor.
• While painful diabetic neuropathy
can have a negative effect on your
physical and mental health, there
are a number of effective treatment
options available to reduce painful
diabetic neuropathy.
• After starting treatment, from time to
time, your doctor should check you
for pain relief and side effects.
• Opioids should NOT be among the
drugs you and your doctor consider
for painful diabetic neuropathy because of the high
risks of side effects. There are a number of safe and effective
nonopioid medications available to help manage your pain.
• If you are currently taking opioids for pain, you should talk
with your health care team about a safe strategy for tapering
off and eventually discontinuing use.