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THE EPIDEMIC OF THIS CENTURY
Diabetes mellitus is believed to affect 15 to 16 million Americans. Although most agree that peripheral neuropathy is a very common complication of diabetes, epidemiological studies have indicated that the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy ranges from a low of 5% to a high of 100%. This is due primarily to differences in the diagnostic criteria used to define the disorder. The prevalence of diabetic neuropathy is estimated to be 7.5% in newly diagnosed diabetics when the definition is restricted to symptomatic subjects who have abnormalities on neurological examination.
The prevalence increases with the duration of diabetes, so that 25 years after the initial diagnosis of diabetes, the prevalence is 50%. Most studies agree that the overall prevalence of symptomatic diabetic neuropathy is approximately 30% of all patients with diabetes. The prevalence is similar for insulin-dependent (Type 1) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes(Type 2), although some studies suggest that the percentages might be slightly higher in patients with Type 2.
Nerve Conduction velocity studies are recognized as the standard in the evaluation of a peripheral neuropathy. The ADA recommends serial testing at one to two year intervals to monitor the motor, sensory and autonomic nerve deficits as a result of the disease. They recommend evaluation in asymptomatic patients, ages 40-64.
AMMA-PMD can provide the assistance that may help you to monitor diabetic neuropathies If left undetected, many patients with even subtle neuropathy, have a significant increased risk of other diabetic complications which include increased cardiovascular mortality, amputation, kidney disease and blindness to name a few.
Team up with AMMA-PMD to assist you in monitoring your diabetic patient base. The course of this disease leads to blindness, amputations, organ failure and early death. Diabetics are especially at risk for non-traumatic amputations, accounting for 82,000 non-traumatic lower extremity amputations (LEAs) in the U.S. yearly, according to the American Diabetes Association.
The PCI-HeartScan is another great tool in managing the cardiovascular disease which is 2-4 times more likely in a person with diabetes. Treating patients early, before symptoms onset will provide you the ability to halt or reverse the effects.
Advanced Medical Management Associates
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