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Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)? Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes and has been considered to be progressive and irreversible. Between 26% and 50% of people with diabetes are diagnosed with DPN and up to 100% develop some degree of neuropathy 5 years after diagnosis of diabetes. What are the Symptoms? The symptoms of DPN are prickling, tingling or burning pain and numbness in the feet, legs and/or hands. These can be worse at night interrupting sleep and can make exercising, walking and even driving a car extremely difficult. Many people have problems with balance and falls are common. How is it treated today? At best, the current management strategies treat the symptoms of the disease rather than the underlying cause, which is increasingly believed to be poor microcirculation to the nerves and tissues in the extremities. Controlling blood sugars can help in the early stages, but once the diabetic neuropathy is more advanced, many of the medications used to control pain cause unpleasant side effects and may not be effective. What are the Complications? Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy leads to serious complications including chronic ulcers, falls that result in fractures and other serious injuries and amputations. Here are a few of the facts: – DPN accounts for more hospitalizations than all other diabetic complications combined. – Total costs for DPN exceed $37B annually. – One in three people over 65 fall each year – at an annual cost of $20B. – Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and DPN are 15 times more likely to report injury during gait-related activities than those without DPN. – Patients with DPN have an increased incidence of leg and foot fractures. – DPN is the leading cause of diabetic foot ulcers and amputations. – 15% of all people with diabetes will develop a diabetic ulcer (DU). – Medicare costs for diabetic ulcers exceed $15K per patient per year. – 11% of patients who have a DU require a lower extremity amputation (LEA) within 3 years. – 87% of non-traumatic amputations are due to DPN. There are 80,000 amputations in the US each year and 3,000 in VA hospitals. – 50% of lower extremity amputees require a second LEA within 5 years. – The 3-year survival rate is 50% after the first LEA.
Mobile Clinic: 4325 Downtowner Loop N., Suite C <> Mobile AL 36609 PHONE: (251)-285-3632
FAX: (888) 574-2325
Robertsdale Clinic: 18601 E Silverhill Ave., Suite B <> Robertsdale, AL 36567 PHONE: (251) 947-7911
FAX: (251) 947-2697
What Can a Person with Diabetic Neuropathy Do to Prevent these Complications? The American Diabetes Association recommends routine foot exams and screening for loss of protective sensation. On October 17, 2001, CMS (Medicare) issued a Coverage Decision Memorandum stating that all people with loss of protective sensation (LOPS) would be covered for two foot exams per year. Education on personal foot care and prevention should also be provided to patients. Wearing well-fitting shoes and examining oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feet regularly are key to prevention of foot ulcers and amputations.
Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Program Fact Sheet
Who is Eligible for the Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Program? Any person who has numbness or pain in their feet or legs combined with difficulty with gait or balance abnormalities may qualify for this program. People with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) are most likely to benefit, although some other types of neuropathy may respond. A doctor must order this program in order for Medicare or your insurance to cover it. What is the Treatment Program? The program typically consists of 3 therapy sessions per week and lasts 4 weeks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; although some patients may take longer. The therapy consists of a breakthrough monochromatic infrared photo energy called Anodyne Therapy, along with balance, gait and strengthening physical therapy exercises. This 12-session protocol has been clinically proven over three years on several thousand patients to provide the best outcomes. An ongoing home treatment program may be recommended after the twelve sessions are complete. Will Insurance Cover It? Medicare and most insurance companies cover physical therapy programs when prescribed by your doctor. If you have a question about coverage, ask your insurance carrier if your plan covers physical therapy.
What is Anodyne Therapy? The Anodyne Therapy System is a safe, FDA-cleared, drug-free, non-invasive device that uses nearinfrared light emitting diodes to safely increase local circulation and reduce pain. Use in thousands of patients since 1994 has demonstrated that the Anodyne Therapy System increases local circulation in patients with DPN, who often have severe vascular impairment. The results of this improved circulation have been published in several medical journals and include improved sensation and nerve function, pain reduction and healing of chronic diabetic ulcers. New data shows that treatment with this therapy can also improve balance and gait and reduce the risk of falls by 96% in the elderly patient with neuropathy.
Mobile Clinic: 4325 Downtowner Loop N., Suite C <> Mobile AL 36609 PHONE: (251)-285-3632
FAX: (888) 574-2325
Robertsdale Clinic: 18601 E Silverhill Ave., Suite B <> Robertsdale, AL 36567 PHONE: (251) 947-7911
FAX: (251) 947-2697
Is it Safe for Everyone? Anodyne Therapy may be used in any patient unless they are pregnant or have an active cancer. It can even be used safely over pins, implants, screws, pacemakers and defibrillators. Are There Any Serious Side Effects or Drug Interactions? There are no known drug interactions. However, when circulation improves and the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy are reduced, sometimes less diabetes medication is required. It is important to check blood sugars regularly during this program and reduce your medication as needed. The only known side effect is a slight potential for a burn. It is important to let the therapist know if you are particularly sensitive to heat or light.
Mobile Clinic: 4325 Downtowner Loop N., Suite C <> Mobile AL 36609 PHONE: (251)-285-3632
FAX: (888) 574-2325
Robertsdale Clinic: 18601 E Silverhill Ave., Suite B <> Robertsdale, AL 36567 PHONE: (251) 947-7911
FAX: (251) 947-2697