peripheral diabeticneuropathy (pdn) is one of the major complications arising in patients with diabetes. pain relief is a major clinical burden in patients with pdpn due to its associated psychosocial issues like depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies which arise due to reduced sleep, very severe intensity and its chronic disabling nature. acupuncture had been shown to be an effective therapeutic adjunct to relieve pain in patients with other etiologies of pain. thus there is a dearth need to evaluate the current evidence on effectiveness of acupuncture in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (dpn). the objective of this review is to provide and evidence-informed update on the effects, efficacy and effectiveness of acupuncture treatments in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pdpn). medline was searched for articles and five studies were obtained and a descriptive review found that acupuncture provided short-term symptom relief. there is insufficient evidence to provide any recommendations for acupuncture to be a viable and affordable treatment option for patients with pdpn.  

Keywords: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy; Complementary and alternative medicine; Acupuncture.