Prevalence and risk factors of painful diabetic neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
PubMed 40107621 · doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2025.112099
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted across four English and three Chinese databases through June 22, 2024. The authors synthesized observational studies to estimate the pooled global prevalence of painful diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) among people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and to identify associated risk factors.
What was found
Across 41 included studies, the pooled global prevalence of PDPN among individuals with DPN was 46.7% (95% CI, 41.8-51.7%). Prevalence differed significantly by diagnostic approach, with neuropathic-specific pain scales yielding higher rates (P = 0.03). Higher prevalence was observed in studies with mean diabetes duration under 10 years or over 15 years (P < 0.01). Significant risk factors included BMI >= 30 kg/m2 (OR = 1.62, 95% CI, 1.43-1.83), female sex (OR = 1.58, 95% CI, 1.19-2.11), nephropathy (OR = 1.32, 95% CI, 1.24-1.40), longer diabetes duration (OR = 1.05, 95% CI, 1.01-1.08), and older age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI, 1.01-1.04).
Why it matters
Nearly half of individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy experience neuropathic pain. Identifying key risk markers such as obesity and coexisting nephropathy helps target early screening and standardized pain assessment.
Limits
The total number of individual patients was not reported in the abstract. Synthesis was restricted to observational study designs, diagnostic criteria varied considerably between included studies, and statistical heterogeneity metrics were not provided in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Pain affects approximately one-third to one-half of patients with diabetic neuropathy.