Analyze the related factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in order to provide necessary assistance for early prevention and diagnosis. Methods: We recruited 125 diabetic patients as the control group and, during the same time period, 110 patients with confirmed diagnoses of DPN as the DPN group. We analyzed the differences in clinical data and related factors of DPN between the two groups as well as the characteristics of nerve injury in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy by nerve conduction velocity examination. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with a long duration of diabetes were more likely to be complicated with DPN (P<0.05); diabetics with high levels of high-density lipoprotein were less likely to develop DPN (P<0.05). The proportion of sensory nerve abnormalities in DPN patients was significantly higher than that of motor nerves abnormalities (P<0.05). The proportion of sensory ulnar nerve and median nerve abnormalities was higher in older patients and those with a longer duration of diabetes (P<0.05). The proportion of median nerve damage was higher in patients with a larger mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (P<0.05). Conclusion: Diabetic patients who have longer disease duration, lower level of high-density lipoprotein, or larger mean amplitude of glycemic excursions are more likely to be complicated with peripheral neuropathy. Routine screening of nerve conduction velocity in diabetics >45 years of age, with >10 years disease course, or with MAGE >4 mmo/L is necessary to prevent the occurrence and development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.