Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment of the complications and pathology of diabetes. The method involves the administration to a diabetic subject of a composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of (.beta.-Ala-His).sub.n, (Lys-His).sub.n, a compound of the formula R.sub.1 -X-R.sub.2, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and combinations thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, in which n is 2-5, R.sub.1 is one or two naturally occurring amino acids, optionally alpha-amino acetylated with alkyl or aralkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is 1 or 2 naturally occurring amino acids, optionally alpha-carboxyl esterified or amidated with alkyl or aralkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms and X is R.sub.3 -L or D-His (R.sub.4)-R.sub.5 where R.sub.3 is void or .omega.-aminoacyl with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R.sub.