WELCOME JESS!
I am a bit late at replying, I don't tend to check till the evening!
I echo all that has been said. Neuropathy wouldn't act that quickly AND it would tend to start in the toes/feet/hands/eyes as that is where the smaller blood vessels are that get damaged.
Was your neighbour an older diabetic who has had it for a long time? Were they under poor control, on older methods of medication? I think this needs to be taken into account by your parents when trying to scaremongering you into the diabetic complications, there are plenty of other factors to consider with individuals. Diabetes is not as clear as black and white.
I note that you state your type 2, for type 1 diabetics we tend to go on a course called DAFNE to educate and learn to carb count. I know that my area does a course similar but also for type 2. Maybe ask your doctor about any such course for type 2, it maybe good if your parents could go and learn too. I feel if I was told such negative comments, I would end up rebelling or being extremely anxious just like you.
Take control of your situation, it is YOUR diabetes and you hold the key to life your life to the max, even with the wretched D! Don't allow your doctor to wash over everything and not refer you.
I hope that you feel reassured that you haven;t got neuropathy in your thigh, enjoy Lost(I watched the first 2 seasons and forgot to watch the rest!) and keep on using this forum, there are so many knowledgable folks on here, a good mix of t1 & t2 and we are all really supportive and able to suggest(but not diagnose medically) reasons why certain things are happening!