The primary objective of this sudy is to assess the effect of two doses of SSR180575 on the rate of regeneration of epidermal nerve fibers following denervation of the epidermal layer with capsaicin in patients with diabetes mellitus and mild peripheral neuropathy. Secondary objectives are to explore the efficacy of SSR180575 on clinical assessment, nerve function measures and to assess the tolerability and safety of SSR180575. The treatment period is 6 months.