VWF and Hypertension: Furthermore, metabolic risk factors such as higher levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, higher body-mass index, higher von Willebrand factor levels, UAE rate, hypertension, and smoking have all been closely associated with the cumulative incidence of neuropathy.[57,58] Genetic studies have identified several genes linked to diabetic neuropathy; however, more verification in larger populations, especially with cohort studies, is needed.[59]