The development and progression of symptomatic diabetic neuropathy (SDN) is linked to hyperglycemia. The effort to improve compensation of diabetes mellitus during therapy is therefore very important. This is where the cooperation between the diabetologist and neurologist within therapy plays an important role. The pharmaco-logical therapy of symptomatic sensitive peripheral diabetic neuropathy is difficult and with a less than satisfactory effect. A variety of active substances is used in symptomatic therapy, primarily designed for intervention in other pathological conditions. The recommended guidelines include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opiates and their derivatives. However this therapy brings with it a relatively high incidence of adverse effects which detract from patients adherence to treatment. Very good results are reached by the therapy with thioctacid.