Peoples’ experiences of painful diabetic neuropathy: A qualitative interview study

McCabe, Candy; Cramp, Fiona; Gauntlett-Gilbert, Jeremy; Davies, Ben

Peoples’ experiences of painful diabetic neuropathy: A qualitative interview study

McCabe, Candy; Cramp, Fiona; Gauntlett-Gilbert, Jeremy; Davies, Ben

Authors

Candy McCabe Candy.Mccabe@uwe.ac.uk
Professor of Clinical Research and Practice

Fiona Cramp Fiona.Cramp@uwe.ac.uk
Professor in Long Term Conditions

Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert

Ben Davies

Abstract

Objective
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of diabetes. This study explored the experience and impact of living with PDN.
Design
People with PDN were recruited through local NHS clinics and by national advertisement in diabetes support publications and social media forums. Semi-structured interviews were conducted either in person or by telephone. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results
Twenty-three people (12 female, 13 with Type-2 diabetes; 22 identified as White British) were interviewed who had PDN symptoms for mean 10 years (range 1-24 years). Four superordinate themes were identified from the data: Theexperience of living with PDN, Affects those around me, A range of negative emotions and Life is a constant challenge.
Conclusions
People with PDN experience a wider range of impacts than those previously reported in research literature, for example: embarrassment, anger, altered diet, reduced intimacy and social isolation. Whilst further research is warranted with a diverse ethnic sample the findings indicate that the wide-ranging impact of PDN on quality of life needs to be recognised in clinical practice and incorporated into future research.

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Nov 4, 2020
Online Publication Date	Dec 1, 2021
Publication Date	Dec 1, 2021
Deposit Date	Feb 11, 2021
Publicly Available Date	Feb 26, 2021
Journal	Pain and Rehabilitation
Print ISSN	2051-0047
Electronic ISSN	2051-0055
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	50
Pages	14-21
Edition	2021
Keywords	diabetes, neuropathy, chronic pain, quality of life, qualitative research
Public URL	https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7083909
Publisher URL	https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ppa/pr/2021/00002021/00000050/art00005