Study Reveals Higher Risk of Nerve Disorder in Hispanic Population

New research indicates that Hispanic individuals in the United States face a significantly higher risk of developing peripheral neuropathy compared to their white counterparts. The study, published on July 16, 2025, in the journal Neurology, highlights that Hispanic people are 32% more likely to be diagnosed with this nerve disorder, even when considering various health, lifestyle, and social risk factors.

Lead researcher Evan Lee Reynolds, an assistant professor at Michigan State University, emphasized the need for further investigation into this disparity. “It is likely that unknown social risk factors exist for this population,” Reynolds stated in a news release. The findings suggest that understanding these additional risk factors should be a priority for future studies.

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and pain, primarily in the hands and feet. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition affects individuals differently, and its prevalence is notably higher among Hispanic and Black populations compared to white individuals.

The study analyzed health records from over 8,000 participants, with demographics including 55% white, 24% Hispanic, and 18% Black individuals. The average age of participants was 61, and approximately 13% had been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Researchers examined various known risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, waist circumference, income levels, and physical activity.

After adjusting for age and sex, the analysis revealed that both Hispanic and Black individuals exhibited higher chances of developing peripheral neuropathy compared to white individuals. Notably, the odds for Black participants aligned with those of white individuals once all other risk factors were accounted for. In contrast, Hispanic individuals retained a heightened risk, even after considering these variables.

The research underscores the significant impact of social determinants on health outcomes for Hispanic individuals. For instance, lacking health insurance increased their risk of peripheral neuropathy by 56%, and experiencing food insecurity raised it by 48%.

Reynolds emphasized the importance of addressing these underlying issues, stating, “Given the increasing percentage of Hispanic individuals in the United States, identifying the unmeasured risk factors of peripheral neuropathy among Hispanic individuals should be the focus of future observational studies.”

The implications of this research extend beyond academic interest, as understanding these risk factors could lead to targeted interventions and improved health outcomes for Hispanic populations facing peripheral neuropathy.

For more information on peripheral neuropathy, the Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive resources.

Evan L. Reynolds et al., “Racial and Ethnic Differences in Peripheral Neuropathy Risk Factors Among United States Adults,” Neurology (2025). DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000213851.