Treatment of nociceptive pain in patients with diabetes mellitus [Therapie nozizeptiver Schmerzen bei Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus]

Background: The prevalence of pain among patients with diabetes mellitus is 40 %. Approximately half suffer from nonneuropathic pain, which has received little attention in the literature so far. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to increase awareness of the spread of nonneuropathic pain in patients with diabetes and to identify specific features in the treatment of nociceptive pain. Materials and methods: A review of the current literature is presented in addition to our own experience. Results and conclusions: In patients with and without diabetes, pain management is based on the five pillar model: drug therapy, exercise therapy, psychotherapy, social support, and invasive procedures. Taking into consideration contraindications and interactions, an individual treatment regime that takes advantage of possible synergies of diabetes and pain therapy should be developed. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.