Painful diabetic neuropathy.

Chronic painful diabetic neuropathy can cause a variety of challenges, particularly in successful treatment. The pain, which can last for years, can severely impair quality of life. Management is difficult, although the careful use of drugs can be significantly beneficial. Tricyclic and anticonvulsant drugs may be effective, with a variety of drugs available as second line agents. Newer non-drug systems such as electrical spinal cord stimulation represent exciting possibilities for the future management of this most difficult diabetic syndrome.