The present invention provides methods of treatment of patients suffering from the complications of 
blood sugar disorders: diabetic 
peripheral neuropathy and 
diabetic nephropathy by administration of IGF-1 via 
protein therapy or 
gene therapy. It relates to methods of treating an individual having a diabetic disorder or a hyperglycemic disorder, comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of 
a DNA vector expressing IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec 
in vivo or an effective amount of at the IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec 
protein in the early 
hyperalgesia stage or in patients that have advanced to the hyposensitivity stage. Treatment at the early 
hyperalgesia stage prevents subsequent hyposensitivity with increases or maintenance of 
sensory nerve function. IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec treatment also increases 
muscle mass and improves overall mobility, which indicates a treatment-related improvement in 
motor function. Treatment with IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec at the hyposensitivity stage reverses hyposensitivity and improves 
muscle mass and overall health. Systemic IGF-1 provides a therapeutic modality for treating hyposensitivity associated with DPN. In addition, IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec provides a therapeutic modality for treating 
diabetic nephropathy. IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec improves 
renal function as evidenced by a modulation in 
serum albumin concentration and a reduction in 
urine volume and 
protein levels. IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec also reduces diabetic 
glomerulosclerosis.