New Diabetic Nerve Pain Treatment Guideline

A new guideline on the most effective treatments for patients with diabetic nerve pain-The Evidence Based Guideline: Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy-was released by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) in collaboration with the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electro-diagnostic Medicine and the American Academy of Neurology. The guideline helps evaluate the evidence basis behind the use of several medications and nonpharmaceutical agents that are available for use in the management of painful diabetic neuropathy.

Strong evidence shows that pregabalin is effective in managing diabetic nerve pain and can improve quality of life, but physicians should determine whether it is appropriate for their patients on a case-by-case basis, according to the guideline. Several other treatments probably are effective and should be considered, the guideline found. They include the seizure drugs gabapentin and valproate, antidepressants (eg, venlafaxine, duloxetine, and amitriptyline), and painkillers (eg, opioid analgesics and capsaicin). Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation also was thought to be effective for managing diabetic nerve pain.

For more information, visit the AAPM&R Web site at http://www.aapmr.org. Or, contact the organization at American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 9700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 200, Rosemont, IL 60018-5701; telephone: (847) 737-6000; fax: (847) 737-6001.