These are the first three episodes of 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 |
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 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
For more Viatris-sponsored content covering diabetic peripheral neuropathy, you can view an infographic here and listen to a podcast here.
