Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain: When Every Step Hurts

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Aqualane Clinical Research

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Posted on

May 18, 2026

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Florida - Southwest

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For millions of people living with diabetes, the struggle goes far beyond blood sugar levels. One of the most painful and life-changing complications is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) — a condition that causes chronic nerve pain, most commonly in the feet and legs.

People often describe diabetic nerve pain as:

  • Burning sensations
  • Sharp stabbing pain
  • Tingling or “pins and needles”
  • Electric shock feelings
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Numbness mixed with pain

For some, even putting on socks, standing for long periods, or walking across a room can become difficult. Unfortunately, because nerve pain is invisible, many people around them never fully understand how intense and exhausting it can be.

What Causes Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

DPN develops when prolonged high blood sugar damages nerves throughout the body. Over time, this damage affects how nerves send signals to the brain, especially in the feet and lower legs.

Symptoms may begin gradually but can worsen over time if left unmanaged. In severe cases, DPN can impact balance, mobility, sleep quality, and overall independence.

Why Better Treatment Options Matter

Many current pain management options rely heavily on medications that may only partially relieve symptoms or come with unwanted side effects. Some patients continue searching for solutions that can help improve their quality of life without relying on opioid-based treatments.

That is why ongoing clinical research is so important.

A New Clinical Research Opportunity

The Navigator DPN 2 Study is researching a non-opioid investigational medication designed to help manage pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Individuals who qualify for the study may receive:

  • Study-related care at no cost
  • Compensation for study-related time
  • Reimbursement for travel expenses

Clinical trials play a major role in advancing medicine and creating future treatment options for people suffering from chronic conditions like diabetic nerve pain.

You Are Not Alone

Living with diabetic nerve pain can feel isolating, frustrating, and physically draining. But research continues moving forward, and new possibilities are being explored every day.

If you or someone you know experiences long-term nerve pain in the feet or legs caused by diabetes, learning more about available clinical research studies could be an important next step.

Learn More

Aqualane Clinical Research
Phone: (239) 529-6780

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Aqualane Clinical Research

Health Screenings

HistoryWith a combined 50+ years of clinical research, Dr. Justiz, Dr. Baker, and Kelly Calistri founded Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022. Since 2005, Dr. Justiz and Dr. Baker have been conducting studies together as Principal Investigators for their private practice. With a shared vision for a larger research institute, Kelly, a long-time consultant to the doctors, joined them in forming Aqualane Clinical Research.Message FromOur FoundersAt Aqualane, we always put our patients first.We promise to educate each potential participant and their family members on all options available to them and to support them in their decision-making process. Striving to make clinical trials a practical healthcare option, we provide a comfortable, caring and compassionate environment.Our founders are passionate about their contributions to the advancement of medicine and to the opportunities they provide to people searching for new treatment options. With expertise and experience in research and the central nervous system, you can trust our team of neurologists and researchers to provide the best possible opportunity for you or your loved one.OurTeamDr. William A. Justiz, MDMedical Director, Principal InvestigatorDr. William Justiz completed his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University before receiving his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He is board certified in neurology and is a certified physician investigator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.With over 20 years of research experience and specialization in degenerative diseases of the nervous system, he has been in continuous practice in Naples, Florida since 1999. He is a founding member of the clinical research program that has grown into Aqualane Clinical Research.Community outreach and service is one of the core values of Dr. Justiz and Aqualane Clinical Research. Dr. Justiz demonstrates this with his 23-year commitment to providing low-cost or free services to epilepsy patients through Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida. In addition, he has delivered a free educational lecture series every month on all Alzheimer's topics since 2015 through the Alzheimer's Support network.Kelly E. Calistri, B.A.Chief Operating Officer, Site DirectorKelly is a native Floridian, born and raised in Central Florida. Shortly before graduating from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a degree in Psychology, she was introduced to the research industry. Almost immediately, she knew this would be her career path.While working at a privately owned clinical research site in Atlanta, she gained experience in several areas, including patient intake, research coordinator, regulatory, and cognitive rater. Working for years across many therapeutic areas, her passion for research grew. With this experience, Kelly received promotions into management roles. Her responsibilities included conducting training, oversight of a staff of 50 people, managing Phase I studies in a unit with 40 beds, and being responsible for business development by attending industry meetings to represent her site. Before opening Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022, she used her expertise and experience to build two startup research sites. Building a team of experts who excel in their field is among her strongest qualities. Her passion for people and the advancement of medicine drives her daily to continue learning. Kelly has seen how new medications can change the lives of people around her.In her free time, you can find Kelly and her husband, who are high school sweethearts, at local baseball fields cheering on their two sons. They are a close family who loves to travel and spend time together. Kelly also loves reading business and personal development books.Dr. Matthew J. 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DEntremont, RN, MPH, BSNInfusion NurseDarious T. Davis, M.A.Head of Business DevelopmentLaura Gold, B.S.Finance CoordinatorKarma L. Hamilton, M.S.Lead RaterBethany J.M. Henchesmoore, MBAClinical Research CoordinatorJennifer Jimenez-Perez, RN, BSNInfusion NurseCarmen L. Ojeda, M.S.Quality Assurance / Quality ControlMichelle A. O'Neill, M.S.RaterMayve SantosResearch PharmacistAlexandria L. SmithClinical Research Coordinator

Aqualane Clinical Research

Dementia Care

HistoryWith a combined 50+ years of clinical research, Dr. Justiz, Dr. Baker, and Kelly Calistri founded Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022. Since 2005, Dr. Justiz and Dr. Baker have been conducting studies together as Principal Investigators for their private practice. With a shared vision for a larger research institute, Kelly, a long-time consultant to the doctors, joined them in forming Aqualane Clinical Research.Message FromOur FoundersAt Aqualane, we always put our patients first.We promise to educate each potential participant and their family members on all options available to them and to support them in their decision-making process. Striving to make clinical trials a practical healthcare option, we provide a comfortable, caring and compassionate environment.Our founders are passionate about their contributions to the advancement of medicine and to the opportunities they provide to people searching for new treatment options. With expertise and experience in research and the central nervous system, you can trust our team of neurologists and researchers to provide the best possible opportunity for you or your loved one.OurTeamDr. William A. Justiz, MDMedical Director, Principal InvestigatorDr. William Justiz completed his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University before receiving his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He is board certified in neurology and is a certified physician investigator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.With over 20 years of research experience and specialization in degenerative diseases of the nervous system, he has been in continuous practice in Naples, Florida since 1999. He is a founding member of the clinical research program that has grown into Aqualane Clinical Research.Community outreach and service is one of the core values of Dr. Justiz and Aqualane Clinical Research. Dr. Justiz demonstrates this with his 23-year commitment to providing low-cost or free services to epilepsy patients through Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida. In addition, he has delivered a free educational lecture series every month on all Alzheimer's topics since 2015 through the Alzheimer's Support network.Kelly E. Calistri, B.A.Chief Operating Officer, Site DirectorKelly is a native Floridian, born and raised in Central Florida. Shortly before graduating from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a degree in Psychology, she was introduced to the research industry. Almost immediately, she knew this would be her career path.While working at a privately owned clinical research site in Atlanta, she gained experience in several areas, including patient intake, research coordinator, regulatory, and cognitive rater. Working for years across many therapeutic areas, her passion for research grew. With this experience, Kelly received promotions into management roles. Her responsibilities included conducting training, oversight of a staff of 50 people, managing Phase I studies in a unit with 40 beds, and being responsible for business development by attending industry meetings to represent her site. Before opening Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022, she used her expertise and experience to build two startup research sites. Building a team of experts who excel in their field is among her strongest qualities. Her passion for people and the advancement of medicine drives her daily to continue learning. Kelly has seen how new medications can change the lives of people around her.In her free time, you can find Kelly and her husband, who are high school sweethearts, at local baseball fields cheering on their two sons. They are a close family who loves to travel and spend time together. Kelly also loves reading business and personal development books.Dr. Matthew J. Baker, MDPrincipal InvestigatorDr. Baker is a board-certified neurologist practicing for over 20 years. He has been a Principal Investigator in numerous clinical trials, many of which have resulted in regulatory approval of novel therapeutics across the spectrum of neurologic disease, both here and abroad. His primary areas of interest include Neuroimmunology, migraine, and the Neurobehavioral manifestations of disease. Dr. Baker is a nationally recognized educator and lecturer. He enjoys teaching colleagues, medical residents and patients on such topics as Multiple Sclerosis and Myasthenia Gravis. In his spare time, he loves riding roller coasters with this family and playing with his two dogs.Micaela M. Acres, RN, BSNInfusion NurseJacqueline E. BradyCommunity Outreach Coordinator/ ReceptionMatthew B. Cagney, B.S.Clinical Research CoordinatorElena Capron, B.S.Regulatory Coordinator / Social Media CoordinatorBrittany N. Cordero, B.S.Office Manager / Human ResourcesJessica M. DEntremont, RN, MPH, BSNInfusion NurseDarious T. Davis, M.A.Head of Business DevelopmentLaura Gold, B.S.Finance CoordinatorKarma L. Hamilton, M.S.Lead RaterBethany J.M. Henchesmoore, MBAClinical Research CoordinatorJennifer Jimenez-Perez, RN, BSNInfusion NurseCarmen L. Ojeda, M.S.Quality Assurance / Quality ControlMichelle A. O'Neill, M.S.RaterMayve SantosResearch PharmacistAlexandria L. SmithClinical Research Coordinator

Aqualane Clinical Research

Alzheimers Research

HistoryWith a combined 50+ years of clinical research, Dr. Justiz, Dr. Baker, and Kelly Calistri founded Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022. Since 2005, Dr. Justiz and Dr. Baker have been conducting studies together as Principal Investigators for their private practice. With a shared vision for a larger research institute, Kelly, a long-time consultant to the doctors, joined them in forming Aqualane Clinical Research.Message FromOur FoundersAt Aqualane, we always put our patients first.We promise to educate each potential participant and their family members on all options available to them and to support them in their decision-making process. Striving to make clinical trials a practical healthcare option, we provide a comfortable, caring and compassionate environment.Our founders are passionate about their contributions to the advancement of medicine and to the opportunities they provide to people searching for new treatment options. With expertise and experience in research and the central nervous system, you can trust our team of neurologists and researchers to provide the best possible opportunity for you or your loved one.OurTeamDr. William A. Justiz, MDMedical Director, Principal InvestigatorDr. William Justiz completed his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University before receiving his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He is board certified in neurology and is a certified physician investigator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.With over 20 years of research experience and specialization in degenerative diseases of the nervous system, he has been in continuous practice in Naples, Florida since 1999. He is a founding member of the clinical research program that has grown into Aqualane Clinical Research.Community outreach and service is one of the core values of Dr. Justiz and Aqualane Clinical Research. Dr. Justiz demonstrates this with his 23-year commitment to providing low-cost or free services to epilepsy patients through Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida. In addition, he has delivered a free educational lecture series every month on all Alzheimer's topics since 2015 through the Alzheimer's Support network.Kelly E. Calistri, B.A.Chief Operating Officer, Site DirectorKelly is a native Floridian, born and raised in Central Florida. Shortly before graduating from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a degree in Psychology, she was introduced to the research industry. Almost immediately, she knew this would be her career path.While working at a privately owned clinical research site in Atlanta, she gained experience in several areas, including patient intake, research coordinator, regulatory, and cognitive rater. Working for years across many therapeutic areas, her passion for research grew. With this experience, Kelly received promotions into management roles. Her responsibilities included conducting training, oversight of a staff of 50 people, managing Phase I studies in a unit with 40 beds, and being responsible for business development by attending industry meetings to represent her site. Before opening Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022, she used her expertise and experience to build two startup research sites. Building a team of experts who excel in their field is among her strongest qualities. Her passion for people and the advancement of medicine drives her daily to continue learning. Kelly has seen how new medications can change the lives of people around her.In her free time, you can find Kelly and her husband, who are high school sweethearts, at local baseball fields cheering on their two sons. They are a close family who loves to travel and spend time together. Kelly also loves reading business and personal development books.Dr. Matthew J. Baker, MDPrincipal InvestigatorDr. Baker is a board-certified neurologist practicing for over 20 years. He has been a Principal Investigator in numerous clinical trials, many of which have resulted in regulatory approval of novel therapeutics across the spectrum of neurologic disease, both here and abroad. His primary areas of interest include Neuroimmunology, migraine, and the Neurobehavioral manifestations of disease. Dr. Baker is a nationally recognized educator and lecturer. He enjoys teaching colleagues, medical residents and patients on such topics as Multiple Sclerosis and Myasthenia Gravis. In his spare time, he loves riding roller coasters with this family and playing with his two dogs.Micaela M. Acres, RN, BSNInfusion NurseJacqueline E. BradyCommunity Outreach Coordinator/ ReceptionMatthew B. Cagney, B.S.Clinical Research CoordinatorElena Capron, B.S.Regulatory Coordinator / Social Media CoordinatorBrittany N. Cordero, B.S.Office Manager / Human ResourcesJessica M. DEntremont, RN, MPH, BSNInfusion NurseDarious T. Davis, M.A.Head of Business DevelopmentLaura Gold, B.S.Finance CoordinatorKarma L. Hamilton, M.S.Lead RaterBethany J.M. Henchesmoore, MBAClinical Research CoordinatorJennifer Jimenez-Perez, RN, BSNInfusion NurseCarmen L. Ojeda, M.S.Quality Assurance / Quality ControlMichelle A. O'Neill, M.S.RaterMayve SantosResearch PharmacistAlexandria L. SmithClinical Research Coordinator