Neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage that results in pain and tingling sensations in the extremities and may ultimately result in falls, infection, and possible amputation, is highly prevalent and often overlooked, as reported in a recent study. The research, which was published in the online edition of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology on May 8, 2024, highlights the widespread and underdiagnosed nature of neuropathy. More than one-third of individuals with neuropathy under the age of 40 experience a significant delay in diagnosis.of 59 years and were surveyed on their neuropathy symptoms, depression levels, and quality of life. The researchers found that 25% of the participants had neuropathy, and those individuals reported higher levels of depression and lower quality of life compared to those without neuropathy. They also found that people with neuropathy were at a higher risk of earlier death, even after considering other health conditions. This highlights the importance of identifying and addressing neuropathy in individuals, as it can significantly impact their mental health and overall well-being.The study included 58 participants, 69% of whom were Black. Half of the participants had diabetes, which is a known cause of neuropathy. Additionally, 67% had metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by excess belly fat and at least two of the following risk factors: high blood pressure, elevated triglyceride levels, high blood sugar, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. These risk factors are also linked to neuropathy. All participants underwent testing for distal symmetric polyneuropathy, and information about other health conditions was also gathered. Overall, 73% of the participants had Neuropathy affects around 50 million people in the United States, and 75% of them were not previously diagnosed with the condition. Almost 60% of those with neuropathy were in pain.
Of those with neuropathy, 74% also had metabolic syndrome, while only 54% of those without neuropathy had the syndrome.
After considering other factors that could impact the risk of neuropathy, researchers discovered that individuals with metabolic syndrome were more than four times as likely to have neuropathy compared to those without the syndrome.
The study also examined the relationship between race and income and neuropathy, as there have been few studies on these topics. No significant association was found.The connection between low income and neuropathy was explored in the study. It was found that Black individuals had a lower risk of developing neuropathy. The study revealed that 60% of those with neuropathy and 91% of those without neuropathy were Black. Elafros, a researcher involved in the study, pointed out that the number of people with neuropathy, especially those who were undiagnosed, was unusually high, with nearly three fourths of the study population being affected. This highlights the urgent need for interventions to improve the diagnosis and management of this condition, as well as the need to address the risk factors that can contribute to its development. However, the study’s limitation is that it only provides a snapshot in time and does not track changes over time.
The study did not examine the reasons behind why individuals were unable to manage risk factors that can lead to neuropathy, and it did not track the development of neuropathy over time.
Funding for the study was provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.
