In this paper

the experimental diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ

i. p. 50 mg/kg)were divided into three groups

electro-acupuncture (EA group

n = 8)

transcutaneous electric nervestimulation (TENS group

n = 8)

at bilateral Shenshu and Zusanli points for 20 minutes once every 2- 3 days for five weeks

and without any treatment (DM group

n = 6) respectively. As compared withthe DM group

the increased plasma glucose levels was lowered significantly in EA group (P< 0. 05)and slightly in TENS group(P >0. 05) by the end of the sixth week. And the symtoms of polyphagia

polydipsia and polyuria were attenuated in EA group. The motor nerve conduction velocity slowing wasprevented or corrected after a course of four and six weeks treatment in EA and TENS group respec-tively. In the DM and TENS groups the pain threshold was lowered at 6 - 20 days after injection ofSTZ

but elevated in EA group

their differences were of significance (P< 0. 05). In general

the effi-ciency of EA treatment on experimental diabetes and its neuropathy was better than that of TENStherapy.