To investigate the risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in different age groups. Methods: A total of 178 patients with T2DM were recruited. Patients were divided into the Non-DPN group (54 cases) and DPN group (124 cases) based on the absence or presence of DPN. The DPN group was further divided into the elderly (≥60 years old) and general (＜ 60 years old) subgroups according to age. Data were compared between the two groups, and results were statistically analyzed. Results: Between the DPN group and Non-DPN group, the age, course of disease, and levels of HbA1c, 2hr postprandial glucose (PG), 3hr PG, urinary microalbumin (ALB), urinary creatinine (Cr), and urinary A/C were significantly different (all P＜0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age and course of disease were significantly correlated with DPN occurrence. There were statistically significant differences in the age, HbA1c, 3hr PG, Cr, and urinary A/C between the Non-DPN, standard DPN, and elderly DPN groups (all P＜0.05). There was a significant difference between the elderly and standard DPN groups in Cr and urinary A/C (both P＜0.05). Conclusion: Age and course of disease are the risk factors for DPN occurrence in patients with T2DM. Elderly DPN patients are at an increased risk for developing diabetic kidney disease.