Gylfadottir SS, Christensen DH, Nicolaisen SK, et al. - Researchers undertook this cross-sectional analysis among patients who recently received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, to estimate the prevalence of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) and painful DPN, significant risk factors, as well as the link with mental health in this group. From the Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes cohort, they selected 5,514 (82%) patients (median diabetes duration 4.6 years). For possible DPN and possible painful DPN, the prevalence was estimated to be 18% and 10%, respectively. The factors that showed a link with possible DPN were female gender, age, diabetes duration, body mass index, and smoking, whereas a clear link with possible painful DPN was only demonstrated by smoking. Experts identified independent as well as an additive link of possible DPN and painful DPN with lower quality of life, poorer sleep, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Greater influence of possible DPN itself, vs neuropathic pain, on mental health, was reported. Overall, the value of careful screening for DPN and pain early in the course of T2D was highlighted.