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Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, affecting millions of people in the US and UK. It develops when persistently high blood sugar levels damage peripheral nerves, particularly in the feet and legs. Over time, this nerve damage can cause pain, numbness, and reduced sensation, significantly affecting daily life. Effective pain management, including medications such as Aspadol 100 (tapentadol 100mg), plays an important role in treating moderate to severe cases.

What Is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a form of nerve damage caused by diabetes that primarily affects the peripheral nervous system. These nerves transmit sensory signals such as pain, temperature, and touch. When damaged, they send incorrect signals to the brain or stop sending signals altogether.

DPN often starts in the toes and feet and may gradually spread upward. In advanced cases, the hands and arms can also be affected.

How Common Is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

Nearly 50% of people with long-term diabetes may develop peripheral neuropathy. The risk is higher in individuals who:

• Have had diabetes for many years

• Have poor blood sugar control

• Smoke or drink alcohol

• Have high blood pressure or cholesterol

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to DPN.

Symptoms of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Symptoms usually develop slowly and may include:

• Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation

• Burning or aching pain

• Sharp, shooting, or stabbing pain

• Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature

• Increased pain at night

• Muscle weakness

• Balance and coordination problems

• Extreme sensitivity to touch

Loss of sensation increases the risk of unnoticed injuries and foot ulcers.

Causes and Risk Factors

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy occurs due to a combination of factors, including:

• Long-term high blood glucose levels

• Reduced blood flow to nerves

• Oxidative stress and inflammation

• Metabolic changes

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Smoking and excessive alcohol use

The longer diabetes remains uncontrolled, the greater the nerve damage.

Complications of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

If untreated, DPN can lead to serious complications such as:

• Chronic foot ulcers

• Slow wound healing

• Infections

• Foot deformities

• Increased risk of amputation

Early diagnosis and proper treatment significantly reduce these risks.

Diagnosis of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Doctors diagnose DPN through:

• Symptom assessment and medical history

• Neurological and physical examination

• Sensory testing (vibration, reflexes, temperature)

• Blood tests to check glucose control and vitamin levels

Routine foot exams are recommended for all diabetic patients.

Treatment Options for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Although nerve damage cannot always be reversed, treatment focuses on slowing progression and relieving pain.

1. Blood Sugar Management

Strict glucose control is the foundation of treatment. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels helps:

• Prevent further nerve damage

• Reduce symptom severity

• Improve overall nerve health

2. Medications for Neuropathic Pain

Standard painkillers are usually ineffective for nerve pain. Doctors often prescribe medications that target nerve signaling, including:

• Pregabalin

• Gabapentin

• Duloxetine

• Amitriptyline

• Tapentadol 100mg for moderate to severe pain

3. Role of Aspadol 100 (Tapentadol)

Aspadol 100 is a prescription pain medication that contains tapentadol 100mg as its active ingredient. It is commonly available as an aspadol tablet or aspadol tab and is used in cases of moderate to severe diabetic neuropathic pain when first-line therapies do not provide sufficient relief.

Tapentadol Drug Class

Tapentadol belongs to a centrally acting opioid analgesic drug class with a unique dual mechanism:

• Mu-opioid receptor activation to reduce pain perception

• Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition to control neuropathic pain pathways

This dual action makes Aspadol 100 effective for nerve-related pain while offering improved tolerability in some patients compared to traditional opioids.

Many patients search online to buy Aspadol 100mg when long-lasting diabetic nerve pain becomes difficult to manage, but it should always be used under medical supervision.

Dosage and Safety Information

Aspadol tablets should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Patients should:

• Swallow the tablet whole with water

• Avoid alcohol and sedatives

• Never exceed the prescribed dose

Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, constipation, or drowsiness. Misuse can increase the risk of dependency.

Lifestyle and Supportive Care

For best results, medication should be combined with:

• Regular low-impact exercise

• Physiotherapy

• Smoking cessation

• Limited alcohol intake

• Vitamin B-complex supplementation

• Daily foot inspection and proper footwear

When to Seek Medical Help

Consult a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent burning or numbness

• Pain that interferes with sleep

• Loss of sensation in the feet

• Non-healing foot wounds

Early intervention prevents severe complications.

Conclusion

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a serious but manageable complication of diabetes. Effective treatment requires strict blood sugar control, lifestyle changes, and appropriate pain management. In moderate to severe cases, Aspadol 100 (tapentadol 100mg) offers targeted relief due to its dual mechanism of action. When used responsibly under medical guidance, aspadol tablets can significantly improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life for patients in the US and UK.