Topical Gabapentin is Effective in Relieving Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic neuropathy is a concern of all diabetic patients and their families because of the severe pain that can prevent sleep. Gabapentin works by decreasing nerve excitability by modifying neurotransmitter expression, which is attributed to its action on calcium channels on the nervous system. Topically applied gabapentin is proven to be effective in treatment of the pain of diabetic neuropathy. Design: 3 months Observational study. Materials and Methods: Observational study with follow up of 180 patients of type 2 and type 1 diabetes mellitus in 3 groups. Group 1 received topical gabapentin; group 2 received oral gabapentin, group 3 as a control. Conclusion: Peripheral neuropathy of diabetes is estimated to be a serious problem which impairs the quality of life of a great percentage of diabetic patients by pain which is severe in most cases; topical gabapentin is estimated to be a new treatment choice of the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy without side effects.