OBJECTIVES: The burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) on patients’ lives is poorly understood and insufficiently measured with current instruments. Proper assessment of DPNP impact on patients’ lives is critical to accurately determine treatment efficacy. METHODS: 45 blinded, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to assess the impact of DPNP on functioning and patient well-being enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Interviews were taped, transcribed, coded, and analyzed according to grounded theory principles. RESULTS: Patients were 31%female, 53% white and the average age was 56 years. Two major domains of burden were identified: physical functioning and daily life. Physical functioning was affected in 36 (80%) patients whose DPNP led to difficulty in walking, 33 (73%) reported low energy levels, and 32 (71%) noted a diminished ability to exercise.  Twenty-five (55%) patients reported difficulties with bending, 22 (49%) difficulty standing, 20 (44%) reduced ease of movement, 19 (42%) had problems with balance and 16 (36%) in climbing stairs.  DPNP affected sleep in 37 (82%) patients who reported awakening in the night, 28 (62%) had difficulty falling asleep, 16 (36%) couldn’t fall back asleep once awakened; and 36 (80%) patients rarely felt rested during the day. Daily life was affected in 34 (76%) patients leading to reduced productivity, 30 (67%) reported that DPNP reduced their enjoyment of life, and 26 (58%) found that DPNP limited their recreational activities. Twenty-four (53%) of patients had a reduced ability to focus on tasks due to pain, 22 (49%) reported that DPNP limited their ability to work, 20 (44%) experienced difficulty in accomplishing routine household chores, and 17 (38%) had reduced independence. CONCLUSIONS: DPNP causes significant burden on patient’s physical functioning and daily life. PRO measures used to determine treatment efficacy should assess these impacts to accurately reflect the patient’s perspective.