a method and composition for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy is disclosed . the composition comprises a cold compounded mixture of a compound that promotes synthesis of nerve growth factor , an aldose reductase inhibitor and an antioxidant formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier . it has been found that this combination of active agents provides significant , effective relief of the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy , as well as at least partial recovery of lost neurological function in some cases . in view of the consensus in the art that effective combinations of various active agents have not been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy , the present invention provides a surprising and unexpected effect . in addition , the topical compositions of the present invention , when used in effective amounts to treat diabetic neuropathy , do not exhibit the severe side effects of many prior art compositions proposed for treatment of this ailment , in a second aspect , a method for the topical administration of a composition in accordance with the present invention for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy is disclosed . in the method , an effective amount of the composition of the invention is topically administered to the areas of the body that have been adversely affected by the diabetic neuropathy on a regular basis over a period of time sufficient to provide the beneficial effects of relief from the symptoms and at least some recover of the damaged nerve tissues .