[Painful neuropathy in the diabetic foot syndrome: a review].
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common cause of neuropathy in the western world. Recent studies estimate prevalence around 28,5% but results vary depending on measure used to define diabetic neuropathy. Early detection and careful attention to risk factors determining diabetic foot may avoid or delay complications. Pain generation is due to biologic causes as well as physical and emotional ones. Neuropathy may result in amputation through different ways including loss of one or more functions in peripheral nerves. Glycaemic control, symptom control and feet care are standard measures that affect all health professionals implied in diabetic patients attention. Deeper knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms should result in new treatments which seem to be more effective if administered early, when abnormalities are more likely to be reversible.