Mapping the Journey of Patients with Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in the Philippines

Knowing the limited epidemiological studies on painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN) in the Philippines, the present review aimed to map the prevalence of pDPN and identify the associated healthcare gaps.

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and BIOSIS was conducted using predefined inclusion criteria, and relevant studies published in English between 2004 and 2021 were identified. An unstructured literature search was also conducted on public and government websites with no date restriction. Data combined from all sources were synthesized and presented as a simple mean.

Three studies were considered for final analyses of the 26 articles retrieved from structured and unstructured searches. The sample sizes for the three studies were 103, 172, and 100, respectively. The simple mean prevalence of pDPN was estimated at 26.5%. Awareness of pDPN based on a published study was 89%. According to published studies, screening and diagnosis of pDPN were 65% and 76.7%, respectively. One-third of the patients with pDPN (75%) were treated. No literature is available for adherence and control.

Limited data exist on the different management stages of patients with pDPN in the Philippines. The study analysis will help address the knowledge gaps, improve patient care and pain management, and aid decision making.