Influence of Race and Ethnicity on the Risk of Peripheral Neuropathy
Research shows that race and ethnicity influence the risk of peripheral neuropathy, with Hispanic populations facing higher odds due to social and economic factors, highlighting health disparities and the need for targeted interventions.
Recent research indicates that race and ethnicity may significantly influence an individual's susceptibility to peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage that results in burning, tingling, pain, and numbness predominantly in the feet and hands. This neurological disorder can severely impair quality of life and increase risks of falls, infections, and amputations. The most common cause is diabetes-related high blood sugar, which damages nerves, but other factors like autoimmune diseases, injuries, and infections also contribute.
A large-scale study involving over 8,000 participants found notable disparities in neuropathy prevalence among different racial and ethnic groups. Hispanic and Black populations exhibited higher rates of peripheral neuropathy compared to non-Hispanic whites. Even after adjusting for various known risk factors such as age, sex, health parameters (waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol), lifestyle factors (physical activity, diet), and social determinants (income, food security, insurance status), Hispanic individuals still faced a 32% increased likelihood of neuropathy. Meanwhile, Black individuals' risk was comparable to that of white individuals once these factors were considered.
The findings revealed that social determinants had a considerable impact on neuropathy risk, particularly for Hispanic groups. Uninsured individuals and those experiencing food insecurity had substantially higher odds of developing the condition, with increased risks of 56% and 48% respectively. These results suggest that social and economic factors may serve as proxies for other underlying risk contributors not fully captured in the study.
The study underlines the importance of considering social disparities in addressing health inequities related to neuropathy. It also emphasizes the need for further research to identify additional social and environmental risk factors, especially within Hispanic communities, to improve prevention and management strategies.
Limitations of the study include reliance on self-reported data for lifestyle behaviors, which may be subject to recall bias. Nonetheless, these insights highlight critical links between social determinants and neurological health, prompting a broader approach to tackling neuropathy disparities.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-ethnicity-play-role-person-peripheral.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Risks of Underprescribing Opioid Treatments and the Fentanyl Overdose Crisis
Underdosing buprenorphine in opioid use disorder treatment can lead to ongoing cravings and increased overdose risk, especially with the rise of fentanyl. Updated guidelines support higher doses for better outcomes.
Brain Injuries to Specific Neural Pathways May Influence Onset of Criminal Behavior, Study Shows
A groundbreaking study reveals that damage to specific brain connections, notably the right uncinate fasciculus, could be a causal factor in the onset of criminal behavior, especially violent crimes. This research advances our understanding of how brain injuries influence social conduct and legal considerations.
Innovative Stem Cell Transplant Eliminates Toxic Prep in Genetic Disease Treatment
Stanford Medicine researchers developed a safe and effective antibody-based method to perform stem cell transplants for genetic blood disorders without toxic chemotherapy or radiation, significantly improving patient outcomes.
Innovative Four-Drug Regimen Sets New Standard for Treating Multiple Myeloma
A groundbreaking clinical trial introduces a new four-drug combination that significantly improves outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, establishing a fresh standard of care.