Pain-related diseases demand awareness

Pain-related diseases are serious conditions, but have long been ignored or treated as if they were merely arthritis or a figment of the patient's imagination. On Thursday, Iowa will recognize Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) Awareness and Action Day to highlight DPN and other pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.

DPN is a serious condition that damages nerve fibers due to prolonged exposure to high amounts of glucose in the bloodstream generally caused by diabetes. DPN often causes intense pain that is described as aching, tingling, burning and numbness of the feet, which often results in serious foot problems due to nerve damage.

Gov. Chet Culver signed a proclamation to raise awareness of DPN.

It is not uncommon for diabetics to develop DPN as a secondary condition to their diabetes. In addition, Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange often develop DPN due to a diagnosis of Type II Diabetes. These veterans and others experiencing the symptoms should visit with their physician to receive treatment and are encouraged to apply for service-connected disability with the VA.

All diabetics potentially can get this condition and need to be aware of it so they do not needlessly suffer. DPN, fibromyalgia and other pain conditions are treatable. Chronic diseases such as diabetes often have other complications as DPN, which is why it is so important to prevent and treat the condition in the first place.

Darlene McMartin

Chair

Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs