Study Reveals Higher Risk of Peripheral Neuropathy in Hispanic Adults

A recent study published in the journal *Neurology* on July 16, 2025, has highlighted a significant health disparity, revealing that Hispanic individuals are more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy compared to their white counterparts. This finding persists even after accounting for various health, lifestyle, and social risk factors, indicating a pressing need for further investigation into the underlying causes of this increased risk.

Peripheral neuropathy, characterized by nerve damage leading to symptoms such as burning, tingling, pain, and numbness in the extremities, can severely impact mobility and quality of life. According to Dr. Evan Lee Reynolds, the study's lead author and a researcher at Michigan State University, the current findings underscore an alarming trend. "Hispanic individuals have a 32% higher likelihood of developing neuropathy compared to white individuals, despite adjustments for known risk factors," he stated. The study analyzed data from 8,014 participants, revealing that 13% had peripheral neuropathy, with a demographic composition of 55% non-Hispanic white, 24% Hispanic, and 18% non-Hispanic Black individuals.

The research team employed a comprehensive survey to identify various risk factors, including health metrics like waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Lifestyle choices, such as physical activity and dietary habits, were also considered, alongside social determinants like income and access to health insurance. The results indicated that individuals with peripheral neuropathy tended to be older, had lower levels of "good" cholesterol, and higher systolic blood pressure. Notably, 25% of those affected had diabetes, compared to 16% in the non-affected group. Additionally, socioeconomic factors played a significant role; 40% of individuals with neuropathy reported an annual household income of $20,000 or less.

Despite these comprehensive controls, the study found that Hispanic individuals exhibited a persistent risk, suggesting the existence of unmeasured social risk factors. Dr. Reynolds remarked, "Identifying these unknown risk factors for Hispanic individuals should be the focus of future studies." The study also indicated that being uninsured raised the odds of developing neuropathy by 56%, while food insecurity increased these odds by 48%. In contrast, Black individuals showed similar odds to white individuals after accounting for these factors, suggesting a nuanced intersection of race, ethnicity, and health outcomes.

Experts have noted the critical implications of these findings for public health policies aimed at reducing health disparities. Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a public health expert at the University of California, Los Angeles, emphasized the need for targeted interventions. "Addressing the social determinants of health is paramount in mitigating the risks associated with conditions like peripheral neuropathy," she stated. Moreover, the study's limitations, including potential inaccuracies in self-reported data regarding diet and exercise, highlight the challenges in comprehensively understanding the factors contributing to these disparities.

In summary, the increased prevalence of peripheral neuropathy among Hispanic adults compared to white adults indicates a significant public health challenge that requires immediate attention. As researchers strive to uncover the underlying causes of this disparity, there is an urgent need for enhanced healthcare access and tailored interventions that address both the medical and social determinants of health in vulnerable populations. Moving forward, further research will be essential to unravel the complexities of these disparities and develop effective strategies to improve health outcomes for Hispanic communities across the United States.