Exploring the Momentary Lived Experience of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy in Type 1 Diabetes—A Mixed-Methods Study
Abstract
Introduction and Objective: Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN) is a debilitating condition that worsens quality of life. Mixed methods allow for a deeper exploration of the lived experience of pDPN.
Methods: A convenience sample of adults with T1D and pDPN were enrolled. Participants completed a 7 day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) bedtime diary to assess the following pain domains: symptoms, interference, self-efficacy, social support, and relief. Participants were also asked to upload a digital photograph (photo) and caption representing their pDPN experience for that day. Follow-up semi-structured interviews explored the daily pain experience and were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. EMA and qualitative data were merged to summarize each participant’s pDPN experience.
Results: Six participants (67% female, mean age 54 years (SD 8.5), 50% with comorbid depression) completed this study. The EMA response rate was 83.3% and photo upload rate was 80.1%. EMA, interview and photo data showed heterogeneity in pDPN experience, as shown for Participant 2 in Figure 1. Interviews highlighted participants’ fear of developing complications of pDPN.
Conclusion: In this study, mixed methods allowed for a personal portrayal of the lived experience of pPDN in T1D. Further studies are needed to better understand how to support the psychosocial needs of patients with pPDN.
Document Type
Meeting Abstract
Publication Date
6-20-2025
Publication Title
Diabetes
First Page
458-P
Recommended Citation
Kinger, K., Dejonckheere, M., Huang, Y., Ang, L., Martin, C., Albright, D., Reynolds, E.L., Callaghan, B.C., Hirschfeld, E., Iyengar, J.J. and Centola, H. (2025). 458-P: Exploring the Momentary Lived Experience of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy in Type 1 Diabetes—A Mixed-Methods Study. Diabetes, 74(Supplement_1), 458-P. https://doi.org/10.2337/db25-458-P