It is an unknown and painful complication that affects one in three diabetic patients.

Diabetes is becoming an increasingly common disease in Spain and it is estimated that our country has the second most common disease in all of Europe. The numbers confirm this, as there are some 5.1 million adults in Spain live with diabetes, According to the 10th edition of the Diabetes Atlas of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). This means that the quantity the number of people with diabetes in Spain has increased by 42% since 2019.

In this case, people with diabetes are faced with a very common complication, which, however, often goes unnoticed. This is about painful diabetic polyneuropathy

(PNDD), a change that appears in 1 in 3 people with this pathologywhat does population mean? 2,000,000 in Spain.

Specifically, PNDD is a condition in which affects the nervous system, causing peripheral nerve dysfunctionand can be recognized by its symptoms, which leads to pain, burning sensation, tingling or numbness in the lower extremitiesin general, and in higher cases, in some cases.

To better understand this complication and how to properly treat it, Spanish Federation of Diabetes (FEDE) resumed his Campaign “What Hurts?: Make Your Pain Visible” with the support of Grünenthal and Viatrice, which was very well received in previous editions. This initiative aims to make visible the need the right approach of this pathology through premature diagnosis and appropriate treatment prescribed by a medical professional in order to improve the quality of life of patients and prevent possible negative consequences.

President of FEDE, Juan Francisco Peranguarantees that “64% of patients with diabetes have virtually no knowledge about this pathology

It is therefore imperative that the necessary efforts be made to make it visible in order to avoid or reduce its complications, and to ensure that those who suffer from it receive adequate treatment. In this context, the participation of all healthcare representatives: specialists, associations and government bodies is important.”

Possible associated risks

This pathology is closely related to other accompanying illnessesfor example, increased risk ulcers on the lower extremitieswhich lead to development diabetic foot. This complication may increase the probability of mortality after 5 years of development by 40%and the lack of treatment can lead to the spread of infection through the limb, which motivates it amputation.

In Spain, 3 out of every 1,000 patients with diabetes undergo amputation because of this complication, with approximately twice as many men as women. Except, The risk of amputation if you suffer from PNDD is 16 times higher.

Because of the risks associated with this complication, diabetes federations and associations conduct prevention and awareness initiatives, such as the What Hurts?: Make Your Pain Visible campaign, to warn patients about PNDD. , both public and private, and detect it as early as possible, which will have a positive impact on the quality of life of patients suffering from this pathology without knowing it.