**1. Introduction**

Peripheral neuropathies (PNPs) encompass a large group of disorders of different etiologies that may present with sensory and/or motor deficits and/ or autonomic dysfunction depending on the predominant nerve fiber being affected. They are common disorders linked to severe impairment and poor prognosis [1]. PNPs cause loss of sensation, and the risk of feet ulceration may lead to infections. Loss of protective sensation is the first sign and when identified must be followed with the appropriate preventive measures. Peripheral neuropathy is a complication seen in approximately 50% of patients with diabetes, but up to 50% of patients with peripheral neuropathy may be asymptomatic [2, 3].

Peripheral neuropathies may result from a broad spectrum of diseases including diabetes, toxic exposures such as alcohol and chemotherapy; immune-mediated conditions and gene mutations. Neuropathies are very common disorders with an incidence of 77/100,000 inhabitants per year and a prevalence of 1–12% in all age groups and up to 30% in older people [4–7].

One of the most common worldwide chronic diseases is diabetes mellitus (DM). According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), DM affects 425 million people worldwide, and for the year 2045, this figure is projected to rise to 628 million [8]. Increasing prevalence of diabetes type 1 and type 2 results in an increase of diabetes-related complications, which conversely impact the quality of life (QoL) [9].
