Objective To study the importance of back pain-lassitude as the key symptom in the differentiation of kidney-deficiency syndrome in diabetes patients.Methods Totally 460 diabetics were divided into the pain group（154 cases）and non-pain group（306 cases）.The 39 symptoms

signs and behavior were abstracted and each patient was scored according to the details of kidney deficiency scale to analyze the constitution and distribution of kidney-deficiency syndrome.Results There was a significant difference in the total symptom score of the two groups（P<0.05）;eighteen symptoms except red tongue

lustrousless complexion

loose stools

slow and weak pulse

and frequent urination

were found significant difference in the incidence（P<0.05）;and the ratio of symptom incidence of the pain group and non-pain group was about 2∶1.Conclusion Back pain-lassitude can be regarded as the key symptom of kidney-deficiency syndrome in diabetes patients.The symptoms of hot sensation in palms and soles

night sweating

flushed cheeks

afternoon fever

loose teeth and falling hair

forgetfulness

body fluid insufficiency

frequent micturition

cold limbs

aversion to cold

tinnitus

listlessness

deep and forceless pulse provide the evidence that the existance of back pain-lassitude can make the diagnosis of kidney-deficiency syndrome in diabetes patients.