Peripheral Neuropathy and Patient-Centered Care

More than 415 million adults live with diabetes worldwide, and the global burden is predicted to continue rising, with an estimated 642 million struggling with the condition by 2040. Many people who have diabetes are undiagnosed, which ramps up their chances of experiencing complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, and peripheral neuropathy. 

In the United States alone, costs associated with diabetes total more than $327 billion. More than one-quarter of these expenses is directly related to peripheral neuropathy. Fortunately, advances in care are changing the game when it comes to peripheral neuropathy and patient-centered care. 

Peripheral Neuropathy and Patient-Centered Care

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy contributes to significant morbidity. Like other neurological conditions, it affects quality of life and ramps up the risk of mortality. The condition is not well understood, but it is associated with comorbidities such as:

• Peripheral artery disease
• Autonomic neuropathy
• Cardiovascular disease
• Medial artery calcification
• Retinopathy
• Nephropathy

The damage associated with the condition may increase due to certain factors, including patient age, weight, blood pressure, and length of their diabetes diagnosis. However, patients with prediabetes may also be diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, underscoring strong associations with hyperglycemia. 

Complications to Diagnosis and TreatmenT

Complicating diagnosis and treatment are variations in the symptoms that patients experience. Approximately three-quarters of those with diabetes also report symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Of these individuals, 20 to 30 percent specifically deal with neuropathic pain. 

Certain risk factors increase the prevalence of symptoms and pain, like patient height, exposure to neurotoxic agents like ethanol, smoking, hypertension, and more. Since neuropathic pain is often the first symptom that drives patients to consult their physician, significant damage may occur before diagnosis and treatment begins. For this reason, person-centered care starts with increasing public awareness about the condition and its symptoms to facilitate early detection.

Other Complications of Peripheral Neuropathy

Without a proper diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, a patient’s trajectory proves grim. The condition may lead to falls, fractures, ulcerations, and amputations. Educating the public and raising awareness includes encouraging patients and caregivers to perform daily foot exams. By staying proactive about potential injuries, infections, ulcerations, and poor wound healing, amputation and other significant health conditions may be avoided. 

Of those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, roughly 27 percent deal with depression. Moreover, a neuropathy diagnosis exacerbates this mental health condition. Mental health and outlook can have a significant negative impact on treatment adherence and may impact quality of life. Those with painful peripheral neuropathy are even more prone to depression. 

Neuropathic pain can also affect daily activities, lead to disability, cause psychosocial impairment, and decrease overall quality of life. As a medical professional, patient-centric care begins with early diagnosis and requires identifying effective treatment options. The NeuropaCalm Care Program is a proven therapy that’s changing the game when it comes to peripheral neuropathy symptom management.

Additional Considerations for Peripheral Neuropathy Patients

Individuals with diabetes face shame and stigmas associated with the condition. For this reason, they may prove less likely to seek out medical care. As a result, physicians and medical professionals should use care when dealing with these individuals. 

Employing proactive and supportive language wherever possible is encouraged. This includes focusing on empowerment and “what works” instead of “what’s wrong.” Medical professionals should also avoid terminology triggers such as “noncompliant,” “uncontrolled,” and even the blanket term “diabetics.” 

Where possible, praise patients for their positive achievements and focus on ways to continue improving outcomes. It’s also vital that your patients understand the therapies available to them to mitigate their PN symptoms. This starts with a conversation about laser light therapy and, more specifically, the NeuropaCalm Care Program. Patient-centered care should also emphasize nutritional support and healthy lifestyle changes. 

Peripheral Neuropathy Care

When it comes to peripheral neuropathy and patient-centered care, raising awareness and educating the public about the condition and its symptoms are vital first steps. But don’t stop there. As a medical professional, you must also hone in on ways to better manage symptoms, thereby improving quality of life and mitigating the condition’s most debilitating complications. 

The NeuropaCalm Care Program has everything you need to educate your patients about diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. Besides public education, its proprietary laser light treatment delivers five times the output of other devices and is being used and praised by physicians across the nation. Are you ready to help your diabetes and peripheral neuropathy patients regain their independence and lead better lives? Contact us to get started. ​