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Chronic pain is prevalent among type 2 diabetes patients

Category: Diabetes

Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes through a blood test is an important step toward preventing and treating the potential health complications that come with the disease. According to a multi-institutional study from California, nearly half of adults who have type 2 diabetes have to deal with acute and chronic pain, while nearly one-fourth cope with other problems such as nerve damage, depression and emotional instability.

"Adults living with type 2 diabetes are suffering from incredibly high rates of pain and non-pain symptoms, at levels similar to patients with living with cancer," said lead study author Rebecca Sudore.

These observations are based on a study of more than 13,000 type 2 diabetes patients aged 30 to 75.

Results indicated that adults older than 60 tended to report having physical pain, while young subjects had symptoms such as fatigue and depression. These effects remained after the researchers adjusted for other medical conditions as well as the length of time one was living with diabetes.

This study suggests that clinicians need to consider adding palliative care to their approach toward type 2 diabetes patients.

Individuals who suspect they may have type 2 diabetes should take a blood test to confirm their hunches.