Higher Risk of Peripheral Neuropathy in Hispanic Populations Unexplained by Known Factors

Recent research has revealed that Hispanic individuals are at a significantly higher risk of developing peripheral neuropathy compared to their white counterparts, and the reasons behind this discrepancy remain unclear. The study, published on July 16 in the journal Neurology, analyzed health records of over 8,000 U.S. adults, finding that Hispanic participants were 32% more likely to suffer from this nerve disorder, even after controlling for common health, lifestyle, and social risk factors.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and pain, predominantly in the hands and feet. The condition is more prevalent among Hispanic and Black populations in the United States, but the underlying causes for this disparity are not fully understood.

The study considered various potential risk factors, including age, sex, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, physical activity, diet, food security, household income, and health insurance status. While higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and lower income were associated with increased neuropathy risk, they did not entirely explain the elevated risk observed in Hispanic individuals.

Interestingly, social determinants like uninsurance and food insecurity had substantial impacts, increasing the risk among Hispanic participants by 56% and 48% respectively. However, even after accounting for these factors and others, Hispanic ethnicity remained a significant independent risk factor.

Lead researcher Evan Lee Reynolds from Michigan State University emphasized that recognizing unknown social and environmental influences is crucial. He noted, "Identifying additional risk factors for Hispanic populations should be the focus of future studies," to better understand and address this health disparity.

This research underscores the importance of examining social and structural factors impacting health outcomes and highlights a need for targeted interventions to reduce disparities in peripheral nerve health within Hispanic communities.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-hispanic-people-unexplained-higher-nerve.html