Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the UK.
Neuropathy can also be caused by other health conditions and certain medicines.
In some cases, no cause can be identified and this is termed idiopathic neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy caused by either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes is called diabetic polyneuropathy.
It's probably caused by high levels of sugar in your blood damaging the tiny blood vessels that supply your nerves.
Peripheral neuropathy becomes more likely the longer you have had diabetes.
Up to 1 in 4 people with the condition experience some pain caused by nerve damage.
If you have diabetes, your risk of polyneuropathy is higher if your blood sugar is poorly controlled or you:
If you have diabetes, examine your feet regularly to check for open wounds or sores (ulcers) or chilblains.
As well as diabetes, there are many other possible causes of peripheral neuropathy.
Some of the health conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy include:
A few medicines may sometimes cause peripheral neuropathy as a side effect in some people.
These include: