Diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy likely affects up to one-third of adults with diabetes. All diabetic patients are likely to develop peripheral neuropathy if they live sufficiently long. Recognition is crucial for initiation of the preventive strategies that have been demonstrated to decrease the potential risk for the development of diabetic foot ulcers, foot infection, Charcot foot, or amputation. The mainstay of current treatment is optimal glucose and hemoglobin A(1C) control. Drug therapy has limited potential for controlling the associated pain. Alternative methods of treatment have thus far demonstrated limited success.