Association Between HbA1c Levels and Pain Intensity in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Narrative Review

Juwita Juwita (Universitas Syiah Kuala)
Nanda Ayu Puspita (Universitas Syiah Kuala)
Sakdiah Sakdiah (Universitas Syiah Kuala)
Cut Gina Inggriyani (Universitas Syiah Kuala)
Hijra Novia Suardi (Universitas Syiah Kuala)
Hafni Andayani (Universitas Syiah Kuala)
Alyauma Akmal Kalani (Meuraxa Hospital, Banda Aceh)

Asian Journal of Natural Sciences (AJNS)
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): August 2026

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) can impair physical function and reduce quality of life. Although HbA1c reflects glycaemic exposure, its relationship with neuropathic pain severity remains unclear. This narrative review found that higher HbA1c levels, indicating poorer glycaemic control, were generally associated with DPN and painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN). Several studies reported a higher prevalence of PDPN among patients with elevated HbA1c, although evidence regarding pain intensity was limited and associations were modest. Neuropathic pain was also influenced by diabetes duration, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, rapid reductions in HbA1c were associated with treatment-induced neuropathy, suggesting a potentially nonlinear relationship between glycaemic control and neuropathic pain.