Evidence-Based Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

ABSTRACTPatients with chronic pain and especially those with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are difficult to manage because of their range of pain symptoms and their need for higher levels of pain medication. Enhancing a solid knowledge base for the various causes of nerve damage leading to nerve pain can help the advanced practice nurse to choose effective therapeutic options. With so many medications to treat a wide variety of symptoms, it can be hard for nurse practitioners (NPs) to prescribe the best medication. By dividing the medications into tiers based on efficacy, NPs will be able to effectively treat DPN. Effectively treating patients' pain will optimize health care resources.