Expert Guidelines for Community Pharmacists on Managing Diabetic Neuropathy with Neurotropic B Vitamins

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) involves damage to peripheral nerves from various diseases, with diabetes being a common cause. Diabetes is one of the common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is linked to 50-70% of non-traumatic amputations, which significantly impacts the economy and productivity.&nbsp;Community pharmacists can help by providing patient education, early screenings, and treatment options. Neurotropic B vitamins (B1, B6, and B12), available over the counter, are important for managing DPN, but their efficacy and safety can vary.A multidisciplinary team from Thailand, including experts in endocrinology, neurology, and pharmacy, developed the practical recommendations through a review of literature and face-to-face meetings.&nbsp;They are designed for community pharmacists managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) using neurotropic B vitamins. This expert guideline offers recommendations for primary screening and updated data on neurotropic B vitamins to improve patient care and prevent severe complications.Five key statements have been endorsed as strong recommendations for DPN care.<ol><li>The goals of DPN treatment are to reduce DPN symptoms and its impact on QoL, to prevent or control DPN complications, to minimise adverse reactions from DPN treatments, and to promote patients’ understanding and adherence to the treatment plan.</li><li>The initial evaluation of DPN can be done by Gathering medical histories, Inquiring about concomitant medications and the patient’s dietary patterns, Querying about symptoms of DPN including lancinating, paresthaesia, tingling, numbness</li><li>If DPN is suspected after evaluation, A combination of neurotropic B vitamins can be used in therapeutic doses (therapeutic doses of vitamin B1 100–600 mg/day, vitamin B6 100–600 mg/day, vitamin B12 400–5000 mcg/day)</li><li>Combined neurotropic B vitamins have synergistic effect and improve patient compliance.</li><li>Advise patients on pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches and take medication regularly.</li></ol>The goals of DPN management are to alleviate symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, minimize adverse effects from treatments, and enhance patient knowledge and adherence to treatment strategies.

Expert Guidelines for Community Pharmacists on Managing Diabetic Neuropathy with Neurotropic B Vitamins

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