Approximately 5 million people are affected by diabetic nerve pain, however, many people at risk are not aware the condition exists. Some people believe that pain is a normal part of aging, or don't realize that diabetic nerve pain is a real medical condition that can be treated.

Nerves allow your body to feel temperature, pain and other sensations. Over time, diabetes can harm nerves in the legs, feet, arms or hands. The damaged nerves become overly sensitive and the slightest movement or light touch of the skin can trigger pain. This condition is called diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, or diabetic nerve pain.

Talk Beyond Pain: Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain is an educational program developed by the National Pain Foundation and Eli Lilly, with guidance from the Partnership for Helping People in Pain (PHPP), a panel of leading physician pain experts.

The Talk Beyond Pain: Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain program includes information about this pain condition and offers tips for dealing with the condition, including how to talk with your doctor, keeping a pain diary, and treatment options for managing the pain.

Don't assume that you have to live with diabetic nerve pain or that the pain will just disappear. Discover how to manage your diabetic nerve pain and make it easier to do the things you love.

For more information, visit www.talkbeyondpain.com or e-mail the National Pain Foundation to receive a free educational booklet and journal about diabetic nerve pain.

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