Many types of neuropathy are caused by systemic diseases, the most common which is diabetes. Patients who are “pre-diabetic,” are those who are overweigh with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. They will exhibit neuropathy symptoms similar to those with diabetes. Neuropathy causes include chemotherapy, certain forms of arthritis, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, drug use, heavy metal toxicity (lead) and leprosy. Many types of neuropathy have no known cause and these are referred to as idiopathic neuropathy.