Diabetic neuropathy comprises disorders of peripheral nerve in diabetes patients after exclusion of other disorders and can be focal or diffuse. The focal diabetic neuropathies tend to resolve spontaneously and are treated by reassurance, physiotherapy and analgesia for painful symptoms. Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP) is the most frequent form of diabetic neuropathy and effective disease-modifying treatment is not available beyond the interventions of optimal glycemic control, and possibly lifestyle and risk factor modification. In contrast, a recent evidence-based guideline shows that effective treatments for painful DSP include: pregabalin, amitriptyline, duloxetine, venlafaxine, gabapentin, opioids, nitrate sprays, capsaicin, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The choice of treatment is guided by the clinical status of the individual patient.

© 2012 Peripheral Nerve Society.