What additional risk factors contribute to diabetic neuropathy?

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor contributing to diabetic neuropathy. When an individual has diabetes, elevated blood pressure can exacerbate the damage done to blood vessels and nerves. Poor circulation caused by hypertension can lead to reduced blood flow to nerves, particularly in the extremities, increasing the likelihood of nerve damage.

Additionally, uncontrolled high blood pressure may enhance the progression of diabetic complications overall, including those affecting the nerves. As blood vessels are damaged over time due to high blood sugar levels, the presence of high blood pressure can compound these effects. Effectiveness in managing blood pressure is thus essential for preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic neuropathy in individuals with diabetes.

While other options like low blood sugar, high cholesterol, and obesity do present various health risks and can be associated with diabetes, they do not have the same direct connection to the damage of nerve fibers as high blood pressure does in the context of diabetic neuropathy.