The powerful effect of hypertension as a predictor of neuropathy is shown in this slide, where it can be seen that for those with hypertension at baseline by 6 years of follow-up some 60% have neuropathy, while those without hypertension only 20% do.

Epidemiological data suggesting that blood sugar level, and other risk factors are related to complications of diabetes, have lead to a series of trials to explore various preventive strategies. Of particular note are the ones to be discussed.