Diabetic neuropathy: diagnosis and treatment for the pain management specialist.

Diabetic neuropathy is the name used by clinicians to describe a heterogeneous group of diseases that affect the autonomic and peripheral nervous systems of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. This article provides the pain management specialist with an overview of the pathophysiology and current trends in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Because of the significant morbidity and suffering associated with diabetic neuropathy, this article emphasizes practical steps to prevent, treat, and manage diabetic neuropathy to assist the pain management specialist in caring for patients suffering from this common malady.