This is a six-episode podcast series supported by Viatris.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of Viatris or EMJ. Speakers have received honoraria for their participation.
| Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 |
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) affects millions worldwide, yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated complications of diabetes. In this episode, we explore DPN as a global health challenge and hear insights from a leading expert in diabetes research. Join us as we delve into why early recognition and intervention matter more than ever.
Topics Covered:
- Burden of DPN Worldwide
- Cultural Perceptions of Pain and Disease
- Global Efforts to Address DPN
Speakers:
Lee-Ling Lim1
Solomon Tesfaye2
1. Head of the Diabetes Care Unit, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Consultant Diabetologist, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals; Honorary Professor, University of Sheffield, UK
Uncover what’s really happening at the cellular level when the earliest symptoms of DPN appear. From tingling and numbness to the molecular damage caused by hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation, the discussion highlights how small nerve fibre changes set the stage for this complication. The episode also examines current diagnostic tools, their limitations, and emerging approaches to detect DPN before symptoms fully develop, emphasising that early recognition is key to prevention and treatment.
Topics Covered:
- What is DPN?
- Why Early Symptoms Are Often Ignored
- Screening and Diagnosis: What Patients Should Know
Speakers:
Lee-Ling Lim1
Ralf Baron2
1. Head of the Diabetes Care Unit, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Head of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Christian-Albrechts-Universitaet zu Kiel, Germany
Unpack why the pain of DPN feels so distinct, and why it can be so difficult to treat. The discussion explores how nerve injuries trigger changes in the central nervous system, the roles of ion channels, glial cells, and neuroinflammation in sustaining pain, and why conventional painkillers often fall short. By placing DPN within the wider spectrum of neuropathic pain conditions, this episode sheds light on the unique mechanisms driving symptoms like burning, shooting, or electric-like sensations, and highlights the need for specialized approaches to managing this complex type of pain.
Topics Covered:
- Neuropathic Pain vs. Nociceptive Pain
- Pain Processing and Central Sensitisation
- Clinical Classification of Neuropathic Pain
Speakers:
Lee-Ling Lim1
Bart Morlion2
1. Head of the Diabetes Care Unit, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Leuven Centre for Algology & Pain Management, University Hospitals of Leuven, Belgium
This podcast shifts the focus from scientific mechanisms to the real stories of patients living with DPN. Ralf Baron joins us in this episode to share the patient experiences surrounding neuropathic pain. He explains their journey of symptoms like burning sensations, sleepless nights, and the emotional toll of chronic nerve pain, balanced with stories of resilience, hope and community support. He provides the clinical context, helping us understand how these personal experiences align with current knowledge of DPN pathophysiology.
Topics Covered:
- Raw patient stories: burning, numbness and impact on daily life
- The mental health toll of chronic nerve pain
- Hope through resilience and community support
Speakers:
Lee-Ling Lim1
Ralf Baron2
1. Head of the Diabetes Care Unit, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Head of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Christian-Albrechts-Universitaet zu Kiel, Germany
DPN treatment has come so far and it is interesting to see what the future holds. Rainer Freynhagen joins Lee-Ling Lim to discuss current first-line therapies, non-pharmacological options such as neurostimulation and physical therapy, and the promising pipeline of novel pharmacological targets. The episode offers both practical guidance for today and hope for tomorrow, highlighting how individualised treatment strategies can make a real difference in managing neuropathic pain.
Topics Covered:
- First-line treatments (e.g., pregabalin, duloxetine)
- Non-pharmacologic options (neurostimulation, physical therapy)
- Novel pharmacological target
Speakers:
Lee-Ling Lim1
Rainer Freynhagen2
1. Head of the Diabetes Care Unit, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Head of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Benedictus Hospital Tutzing, University of Münich; Chair, Pain Centre Lake Starnberg, Feldafing, Germany
The final episode brings the Inside the Silent Storm series to a close with a focus on the whole patient. Solomon Tesfaye joins Lee-Ling Lim to discuss how DPN affects far more than sensation in the feet, impacting mobility, independence, mental health and overall quality of life. The episode highlights the importance of functional assessment, psychosocial support and preventive foot care to reduce the risk of ulcers and amputations. This concluding conversation emphasises that managing DPN is not just about treating symptoms, but about delivering comprehensive, patient-centred care that safeguards both life and wellbeing.
Topics Covered:
- Functional impact assessment
- Importance of foot care to prevent ulcers and amputations
Speakers:
Lee-Ling Lim1
Solomon Tesfaye2
1. Head of the Diabetes Care Unit, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Consultant Diabetologist, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals; Honorary Professor, University of Sheffield, UK
For more Viatris-sponsored content covering diabetic peripheral neuropathy, you can view an infographic here and listen to a podcast here.
