Diabetic neuropathies in the elderly: management update.

Diabetic neuropathy is a common, varied, and disabling disease that is potentially responsive to therapy. While its pathogenesis is as yet unclear, its clinical presentations and natural history are well known. Present information suggests glycemic control can prevent neuropathy and in some cases cause established neuropathy to regress. Drug therapy is useful only for painful neuropathy. Avoidance of alcohol and behavioral and surgical relief of nerve entrapment are helpful in certain cases.