Risk factors for diabetic neuropathy and foot ulceration.

Peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN) and foot ulcers are disabling and expensive complications of diabetes with few therapeutic options. Knowledge of risk factors for both complications, based on prospective observational studies, permits identification of individuals at high risk and provides options for intervention. Glycemia is the main modifiable risk factor for PSN, whereas PSN and trauma are the principal potentially modifiable risk factors for the development of foot ulceration.