Benfotiamine, the lipid-soluble thiamine derivative used as a treatment for diabetic neuropathy, can inhibit three major pathways(the hexosamine pathway, the advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation pathway and the diacylglycerol (DAG)?protein kinase C (PKC) pathway）of hyperglycemic damage and prevent experimental diabetic retinopathy. Benfotiamine is a synthetic S-acyl derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1) for treating sciatica and other painful nerve conditions. More effective at increasing thiamin levels in blood and tissues than water-soluble salts like the previous vitamin B1.