Sheffield awarded £3 million to research chronic diabetic pain

Experts in Sheffield have been awarded £3 million to study chronic pain in diabetic patients.
Professor Solomon Tesfaye is leading the studyProfessor Solomon Tesfaye is leading the study
Professor Solomon Tesfaye is leading the study

A team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals will research the effectiveness of pain control drugs in patients with chronic pain caused by diabetes.

The study will compare three main drugs used to treat painful diabetic neuropathy.

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Professor Solomon Tesfaye, a consultant at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and honorary professor of diabetic medicine at the University of Sheffield, is leading the research.

He said: “Sheffield is a world leader in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy and the size of the grant reflects the importance of this study.”

The grant, awarded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme, is one of the biggest awards ever given to a Sheffield Teaching Hospitals research team.

Prof Tesfaye added: “We need to know both what is the best treatment for patients and the most cost effective.

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“This research will help us to find out which patients and what kind of pain responds best to which drugs.

“Apart from improved pain management resulting in better quality of life for patients, it might also save the NHS a considerable amount of money in drug costs.

“This trial has a potential benefit to sufferers, carers, health care professionals and the NHS.”

The study, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield Clinical Trials Research Unit, aims to establish which drug or combination of drugs is best for patients with the condition.”

Anybody interested in taking part in the study can contact Sheffield Teaching Hospitals on 0114 271 2204.