An increase in high-fat, high-fructose foods in people’s diets has contributed to a dramatic increase in type 2 diabetes. This, in turn, has led to an increase in peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage, typically in the hands and feet. New research reveals that months before this damage occurs, immune cells flood into peripheral nerves in an apparent attempt to protect them. This surprising insight could lead to strategies to prevent peripheral neuropathy or at least minimize and slow the onset of the damage.

From Clifford Woolf and Colleagues, first author Sara Hakim. Read more at BCH Answers.