Physical Activity in the Management of Diabetic Neuropathic Pain: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Evidence, and Clinical Perspectives

TL;DR

This paper reviews how physical activity can help manage diabetic neuropathic pain by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing nerve function.

Contribution

The paper provides a narrative review of the mechanisms and clinical evidence supporting physical activity as an adjunct therapy for diabetic neuropathic pain.

Findings

Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and reduces oxidative stress in diabetic neuropathy.

Exercise promotes nerve regeneration and modulates neuroinflammation in preclinical and clinical studies.

Aerobic and resistance exercises reduce pain severity and improve functional outcomes in patients with DNP.

Abstract

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a common and debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus, resulting from complex metabolic, vascular, and neuroinflammatory mechanisms. Pharmacological treatments provide limited relief, highlighting the need for adjunctive therapies. This review aimed to summarize current understanding of the pathophysiology of DNP and to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of physical activity (PA) in its management. A narrative synthesis of recent preclinical and clinical studies investigating the impact of exercise on DNP was conducted. Studies suggested that PA may improve insulin sensitivity, reduce oxidative stress, enhance microvascular blood flow, modulate neuroinflammation, and promote nerve regeneration. Clinical evidence demonstrates that aerobic, resistance, and multimodal exercise programs reduce pain severity, improve nerve conduction, and enhance functional outcomes. PA remains a safe and effective means in addition to pharmacological treatment in DNP. Tailored supervised exercise programs are recommended to optimize benefits. High-quality studies are still needed to establish standardized exercise protocols and long-term outcomes.

Figures