10 Key Causes Of Diabetic Neuropathy You Can't Ignore

7. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Beyond its role in kidney disease, persistently high blood pressure directly impacts nerve health in diabetic individuals. Hypertension places excessive strain on the tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to nerves, causing them to narrow, weaken, and eventually damage the nerves themselves. This impaired blood flow leads to nerve dysfunction and contributes to neuropathy development. Effective management of blood pressure through medication and lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) is therefore critical. Maintaining blood pressure within healthy targets is a key preventative measure to protect peripheral and autonomic nerves from further damage.

8. High Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Uncontrolled levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, common in individuals with diabetes, also play a direct role in aggravating diabetic neuropathy. Elevated fats in the blood can contribute to atherosclerosis, a hardening and narrowing of arteries, including those supplying the nerves. This reduces vital blood flow, starving nerve cells of necessary oxygen and nutrients, leading to damage and impaired function. Managing dyslipidemia through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication is essential. Lowering these fat levels helps improve circulation to all tissues, including the delicate nerve fibers, thereby mitigating neuropathy progression.