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

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

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.

Citation

McCabe, C., Cramp, F., Gauntlett-Gilbert, J., & Davies, B. (2021). Peoples’ experiences of painful diabetic neuropathy: A qualitative interview study. Pain and Rehabilitation, 50, 14-21

• 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
• 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