And--you should come on over to the neuropathy forum as well--lots of very expert people there:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html

I'm sorry to hear about your son's predicament. Unfortunately, neuropathy, especially of the small-fiber variety, is very common among diabetics, and even among people without frank diabetes who have been diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance. The doctors may think it unusual for a child as young as 9 to have such neuropathy, but from my perspective it's not that surprising, given that he has been diabetic for so long.

Getting the pain under control is obviously the first priority--and many find that it takes a combo of meds to do so. Then, as much attempt at glycemic control should be made as is feasible. And, a program of supplements for nerve support and healing should likely also become a part of his treatment (B and D-vitamins, lipoic acid, possibly carnitine and co-enzyme Q10, depending on his metabolic profile).

Our vitamin/supplement forum might also be a good place to peruse:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html