Wherefore Art Thou, O Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy? Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • As of March 2016, we continue to advocate the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy using a simple foot examination or monofilament, which identifies only those with severe neuropathy and hence risk of foot ulceration. Given the fact that the 5-year mortality rate of diabetic patients with foot ulceration is worse than that of most common cancers, surely we should be identifying patients at an earlier stage of neuropathy to prevent its progression to a stage with such a high mortality? Of course, we lament that there is no licensed treatment for diabetic neuropathy. Who is to blame? As researchers and carers, we have a duty of care to our patients with diabetic neuropathy. So, we have to look forward not backwards, and move away from our firmly entrenched views on the design and conduct of clinical trials for diabetic neuropathy. Relevant organizations such as Neurodiab, the American Diabetes Association and the Peripheral Nerve Society have to acknowledge that they cannot continue to endorse a bankrupt strategy. The FDA needs an open and self-critical dialogue with these organizations, to give pharmaceutical companies at least a fighting chance to deliver effective new therapies for diabetic neuropathy.

publication date

  • April 21, 2016

Research

keywords

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Diabetic Neuropathies

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84963976434

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/bs.irn.2016.03.008

PubMed ID

  • 27133154

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 127