While diabetes is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy, several other medical conditions can also cause the condition. Here are some of the more serious medical conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy:
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis can cause damage to the nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy.
Infectious diseases: Chronic infections such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and Lyme can damage the nerves over time.
Kidney and liver disease: Damage to the kidneys or liver can lead to the buildup of toxins in the body, which can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Cancer: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy used to treat cancer can damage the nerves, causing peripheral neuropathy.