The best know cause of PN and AN is diabetic neuropathy, and as well injuries to the spine and brain. I think the idiopathic could be related to autoimmune, as many have posted here, thier PN is often accompanied by an autoimmune disease, but nobody knows the mechanisms behind it. i READ somewhere, that idiopathic could be related to glucose intolerance or pre-diabetes, Most people would suspect neuropathy and full-blown diabetes, not the pre-cursor diseases though.

Ya know, way back you insisted upon *, telling me diabetes gave me small fiber neuropathy. Without really knowing my situation. I don't even have pre diabetes. I have had endocrine and heart levels extensively tested for 6 years before I even developed my SFN. Never an issue with glucose.

With all due respect i wish you would do a little more research on this without throwing out such matter of fact claims. Studies show that diabetes related issues are a large component - but around half of all cases. The other half is a smorgasbord of illnesses. So, to make out like "eh, it's probably something to do with blood sugar". Is irresponsible. Just looking at this board will show you that the causes are a wide spectrum.Not even remotely as simple as you make it out to be.

Yeah, I was idiopathic and don't have diabetes either.

Given that there are more than 100 different types of Neuropathy and at least as many causes it's not surprising that the term 'ideopathic' is used to define those neuropathies to which no specific cause can be attributed.

Sometimes it may be a case of too many co-existing conditions to pinpoint the specific cause, or maybe an undetected underlying condition. Depending on where you live, definitive diagnosis may be beyond the experience of the physicians. Equally, rationed resources under Public Health Systems, may mean that extensive testing is not offered and the ideopathic label is given as an easy explanation. Or it could just be plain laziness or incompetence of the doctor to seek answers.

Being given the ideopathic label is not the end of the line as many here have found out. You know your body and circumstances better than any one. If you take the ideopathic diagnosis as a starting point and do your own 'detective' work; eliminate any known possible causes, become informed, seek out medical professionals that are willing to work with you, then you may be able to manage this condition in the best way that works for you.