Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin production or regulation, classified into Type I (autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells) and Type II (insulin resistance). Diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of DM, affects nearly 50% of patients and can manifest as painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), a chronic condition causing significant pain and reduced quality of life for up to 20% of DM patients. PDN management includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, with established treatments like gabapentin, pregabalin, and duloxetine often offering limited efficacy and notable side effects.
Recent advancements, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), have demonstrated substantial pain relief and sustained quality-of-life improvement for PDN patients. However, SCS uptake in Ireland remains low despite its FDA approval and demonstrated effectiveness. General practitioners (GPs) play a pivotal role in early PDN identification and management, yet evidence suggests PDN is underdiagnosed and undertreated, partly due to diagnostic and knowledge gaps. While studies from Saudi Arabia and Egypt highlight the need for enhanced GP knowledge and practices regarding PDN, the status of GP proficiency in Ireland remains unexplored.
This study investigates Irish GPs’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards PDN, including diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and familiarity with emerging treatments like SCS. It aims to identify educational gaps, limitations in the healthcare system, and referral barriers to SCS. Findings will inform improvements in medical education, GP self-learning, and healthcare policies to enhance PDN care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.