Background and purpose: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases and neuropathy is one of the main complications of diabetes. Modification of eating habit is the most effective and most economical way in prevention of diabetic complications. This research aimed at studying the relationship between food habits and diabetic neuropathy.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 176 patients with diabetic neuropathy attending Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, 2016. They were selected via convenience sampling. Data was collected using food habits questionnaire, neuropathy complication checklist, and demographic questionnaire. Data was then analyzed using Chi-square, K-S, Mann–Whitney, Spearman correlation and Linear Regression in SPSS V18.

Results: The results showed that 78 (44.3%) and 98 (55.7%) patients had undesirable and somewhat favorable food habits, respectively. About sensory neuropathy complications, the highest and lowest prevalence was associated with limbs tingling (93.3%) and soft tissue atrophy in foots (7.4%). While digestive disorders (57.4%) and syncope (8%) were the most and least common autonomic complications, respectively. A negative significant correlation was found between food habits and prevalence of diabetic neuropathy complications (P=0.03, r= -0.21).

Conclusion: According to the results, modification of food habits is necessary. The prevalence of some complications (autonomic and sensory) was found to be high in current study. So, any intervention to prevent diabetic complications and their progress should focus on modification of food habits and lifestyle, and lowering blood glucose level.