Which factor is a significant risk for developing diabetic neuropathy?

Long-term high blood sugar levels are a significant risk factor for developing diabetic neuropathy because chronic hyperglycemia can lead to nerve damage over time. Elevated blood glucose levels can cause metabolic and biochemical changes in the body that affect the nerves, disrupting normal function and leading to complications such as neuropathy. Prolonged exposure to high glucose levels can result in oxidative stress and inflammation, damaging the nerve fibers and leading to symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy, such as pain, tingling, or numbness in the extremities.

In contrast, while the age of diagnosis can influence the risk of complications, it is not directly correlated with the physiological processes that lead to neuropathy. Regular physical activity generally promotes overall health and can help manage blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the risk of neuropathy. A low dietary sugar intake may also be beneficial for controlling blood glucose levels but does not directly relate to the development of neuropathy as significantly as prolonged high blood sugar levels do.