Pharmacological Agents Involved In The Treatment Of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is the presence of signs &symptoms of peripheral nerve dysfunction in persons with diabetes after the exclusion of other causes. Till date there is no effective treatment available for diabetic neuropathy. However, it can be managed using certain pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain affects the functionality, sleepandmood patterns of nearly 10 to 20 percent of patients with diabetes mellitus. Treatment goals include improving pain control and restoring function. Patients can realistically expect reduction in discomfort a 30 to 50 percent with improved functionality. The tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, opiates and opiate-like substances and topical medications are the main classes of agents used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Physicians should ask patients whether they have tried alternative and complementary medicine remedies for their pain. For the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain only two medications are approved specifically: Duloxetine and Pregabalin. However, evidence supports the routine of other therapies and unless contraindications are there, the first-line treatment is tricyclic antidepressants. Physicians must consider potential drug interactions and possible adverse effects before prescribing a medication.