Diabetic neuropathy affects up to 50% of people with diabetes within 10 years of diagnosis, significantly increasing the risk of foot ulcers, amputation, and cardiovascular mortality. These flashcards are designed to help pharmacists and healthcare professionals quickly recall the 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines regarding screening techniques, preventive strategies, and the hierarchy of pharmacologic treatments for neuropathic pain.
Key Topics Covered:
Screening Tools: Memorizing the use of the 10 g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and 128 Hz tuning fork for detecting loss of protective sensation.
Assessment Timelines: Recalling the different screening initiation protocols: starting at diagnosis for Type 2 diabetes versus 5 years post-diagnosis for Type 1 diabetes.
Pain Management: Identifying the first-line pharmacotherapies (anticonvulsants like pregabalin/gabapentin and antidepressants like duloxetine/venlafaxine) and understanding why opioids are not recommended as primary therapy.
Autonomic Neuropathy: Recognizing the clinical signs of autonomic dysfunction, such as resting tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, and gastroparesis.
Differential Diagnosis: Understanding the importance of excluding other causes of neuropathy, such as Vitamin B12 deficiency (especially with metformin use) or alcohol overuse.