The most prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus is neuropathy, which encompasses distal symmetric polyneuropathy, mononeuropathy, radiculoplexopathy, and autonomic neuropathy. Intensive glucose control prevents and effectively halts the progression of diabetic neuropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, the effect of strict glucose control itself is at modest in those with type 2 diabetes. Although we have better understanding of the mechanism of diabetic neuropathy, many pharmacologic trials for the targeting underlying nerve damage have reported unsuccessful results. In this review, the effects and limitations of the current therapeutic options will be discussed.
