The high worldwide prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) can be attributed to multiple contributing risk factors. Besides diabetes (the largest risk factor), the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its individual components besides elevated fasting blood glucose levels (that is, >100 mg/dL), namely, central obesity, dyslipidaemia and hypertension, also increase DPN risk. Poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are additional risk factors, along with socioeconomic factors and gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP). Emerging evidence suggests that improving metabolism and increasing physical activity could help to slow, ameliorate or prevent DPN.
