Neurological disturbances of the hands occurred in three female patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and were initially considered a manifestation of the polyneuropathy. Precise investigation showed that besides diabetic nerve lesions an additional mechanical damage of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel had occurred. Clinical and electromyographic follow-up controls showed stable conditions in one patient and progression of the carpal tunnel syndrome in two others. After bilateral neurolysis complete freedom from symptoms was achieved. The combined occurrence of diabetic polyneuropathy and distal nerve compression syndromes has not been described up to now.