Using a Variety of Modalities to Measure Both Small and Large Fiber Neuropathy Provides More Accurate Estimates of the Prevalence of Diabetic Neuropathies
2 min read
In April 2024, the Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications published “Contemporary prevalence of diabetic neuropathies in individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in a Danish tertiary outpatient clinic”, a large scale study from researchers at the Steno Diabetes Center in Copenhagen, Denmark. Researchers assessed 822 individuals with Type 1 and 899 individuals with Type 2 diabetes for both distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DPN) and diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) using a variety of modalities in order to make population-based prevalence estimates.
Where they exist, past estimates of various neuropathies have shown wide ranges of prevalence. In the Steno study, DPN was assessed using vibration perception threshold (VPT), sural nerve function, touch, pain, and thermal sensation. DAN was assessed using cardiovascular reflex tests, electrochemical skin conductance, and gastroparesis cardinal symptom index.
Batteries of DPN methods were applied for 4 groups by adding modalities to each group from large fiber neuropathy with VPT above 25 V and/or abnormal touch sensations (reflecting how DPN is currently assessed in a diabetes clinic setting) to VPT using age-height-sex specific cutoffs, to sural nerve conduction, and finally to small fiber neuropathy as measured by Sudoscan in the feet, abnormal pain and/or abnormal thermal sensation. For DAN, Sudoscan was used to evaluate sudomotor function as measured by electrochemical skin conductance in the feet and hands along with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy measured by a Vagus device, and orthostatic hypotension based on supine and standing blood pressure.
Prevalence of DPN varied depending on the modalities applied for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Including small fiber neuropathy as measured by Sudoscan increased the prevalence of definite DPN diagnosed by Toronto consensus criteria, from 46 to 54% for Type 1 and from 54 to 68% for Type 2. In contrast, monofilament had the lowest overlap with other diagnostic modalities. Touch sensation showed the lowest prevalence of DPN, perhaps because it can only measure more severe neuropathy. The prevalence of DPN measured by Sudoscan in the feet was twice as high for Type 1 diabetes and 10% higher for Type 2 as the commonly used VPT above 25 V.
Assessing both large and small fiber neuropathy using a variety of modalities was found to be the best way to increase the prevalence of DPN and DAN diagnoses. Measuring small fiber neuropathy was recommended by the researchers for early detection. Small fiber neuropathy, they noted, is not detected using the tools commonly used in diabetes care today.
Smart Scales have traditionally been used by consumers to track their personal wellness metrics. However, Withings saw an opportunity to use highly sophisticated technologies in an at-home setting that provide critical data for providers to make more timely and informed care decisions. Body Pro 2 is that type of technology - a scale that adds both nuance and robustness to at-home health management and has the potential to improve the early detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathies (DPN).
Remote patient monitoring provides immediate, daily measurements to track and manage patient care for at-risk patients. As the creator of the original home smart scale, Withings has 15 years of experience in this field and hundreds of peer-reviewed studies of its products and measurements. In 2022 Withings acquired Sudoscan®, the FDA-cleared medical device for assessing DPN. We have now incorporated the Sudoscan® technology - which is already used by thousands of clinicians around the world - in our Body Pro 2 device.
Rather than hoping patients come for a regular foot exam, doctors and other health professionals can now monitor signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy with daily readings to detect the earliest changes in small fiber neuropathy, at a stage when interventions can have the most profound effect. With 70% of patients with diabetes suffering from DPN at some point, regular assessment is critical. Unfortunately, annual comprehensive foot exams, as recommended by the ADA, have patient compliance issues and the conventional assessment techniques used by primary care practitioners (PCPs) often miss asymptomatic patients.
Body Pro 2 assesses small fiber nerves by emitting low voltage pulses to stimulate the sweat glands in the foot and measures reactivity to the impulse, providing a quantitative Electrochemical Skin Conductance (ESC) score. An equivalence study compared the ESC measurements of Withings’ at-home device with those of the Sudoscan device which has been used in specialty clinics and hospital settings for more than 10 years (1). The multi-center, cross-sectional study was carried out in four French university hospitals with 147 patients. Results demonstrated an almost perfect agreement in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and repeatability.
Within 60 seconds of stepping on the scale, patients and care teams receive feedback indicating whether small fiber neuropathy may be present. Care teams can then determine, based on the potential extent of the neuropathy, whether ongoing monitoring or immediate referral to a specialist is needed. The data are displayed on the screen and seamlessly transmitted to the care team by cellular, wireless, or bluetooth technology. This connectivity allows the physician to communicate with the patient and provide instructions for care.
Beyond the usual weight and BMI biomarkers, the Body Pro 2 is the first at-home cellular scale to measure body composition using multifrequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). The body composition readings include fat mass, visceral fat, muscle mass, bone mass, and water percentage. A built-in algorithm, ProgramMemberID, assures that the data are coming from the patient - not a family member - and an engagement score helps a provider adjust advice to the patient accordingly.
Eric Carreel, Founder and President of Withings, commented, "Body Pro 2 allows for early detection of a largely underdiagnosed condition and therefore a better management of the diabetic foot. I also believe that providing access to longitudinal ESC data has the potential to help the industry rethink how we should care for patients with diabetes."
Riveline JP, Mallone R, Tiercelin C, Yaker F, Alexandre-Heymann L, Khelifaoui L, Travert F, Fertichon C, Julla JB, Vidal-Trecan T, Potier L, Gautier JF, Larger E, Lefaucheur JP. Validation of the Body Scan®, a new Device to detect small fiber neuropathy by assessment of the sudomotor function: agreement with the Sudoscan®. Front Neurol. 2023 Oct 31;14:1256984. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1256984. PMID: 38020587; PMCID: PMC10644320
Amit Goel et al., « Comparison of Electrochemical Skin Conductance and Vibration Perception Threshold Measurement in the Detection of Early Diabetic Neuropathy », PLOS ONE 12, no 9 (7 septembre 2017): e0183973, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183973
Angelica Carbajal-Ramírez et al., « Early Identification of Peripheral Neuropathy Based on Sudomotor Dysfunction in Mexican Patients with Type 2 Diabetes », BMC Neurology 19, no 1 (31 mai 2019): 109, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-019-1332-4
Selvarajah D, Cash T, Davies J, Sankar A, Rao G, Grieg M, Pallai S, Gandhi R, Wilkinson ID, Tesfaye S. SUDOSCAN: A Simple, Rapid, and Objective Method with Potential for Screening for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. PLoS One. 2015 Oct 12;10(10):e0138224
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[post_title] => Withings Introduces Body Pro 2, an Rx Device for Early Detection of DPN*
[post_excerpt] => Smart Scales have traditionally been used by consumers to track their personal wellness metrics. However, Withings saw an opportunity to use highly sophisticated technologies in an at-home setting that provide critical data for providers to make more timely and informed care decisions. Body Pro 2 is that type of technology - a scale that adds both nuance and robustness to at-home health management and has the potential to improve the early detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathies (DPN).
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When the world’s leading clinicians and researchers gather later this month in Orlando, Florida at ADA’s 84th Scientific Sessions, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcer prevention will be spotlighted. Withings devices have been used in a number of major neuropathy and DFU prevention studies being presented at ADA’s Scientific Sessions as well as other diabetes and neurology conferences this year.
Of note at Scientific Sessions will be the release of findings of the longitudinal study “Combined DPNCheck and SUDOSCAN as a Screening Tool for DPN—The Sheffield Prospective Study.” The results will be shared at 1:15 p.m. EDT in Room W307 immediately following the ADA President’s Select Abstract Presentation. Mohummad Shaan Goonoo of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and NHS Foundation Trust is scheduled to share the clinical findings.
In addition, Philippe Brunswick, Ph.D. will be presenting a poster at Scientific Sessions on Saturday, June 22 at 12:30 pm in Poster Hall West A4-B2 entitled “Improving Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management with Electrochemical Skin Conductance [Board No. 1803].” Attendees are invited to join Philippe and discuss the results and implications in a small-group setting.
Finally, Withings will be hosting a breakfast for diabetes influencers at 7:00 am EDT on Saturday, June 22 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando hotel next door to the convention center. Participants will be able to dig deeper on the breaking research that will have been presented as well as to experience the Body Pro 2 smart scale for the first time. If you are interested in attending the breakfast, please find more information here.
Interested in partnering with us?
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[post_title] => Neuropathy and DFU Prevention to be Highlighted at the ADA’s 84th Scientific Sessions
[post_excerpt] => When the world’s leading clinicians and researchers gather later this month in Orlando, Florida at ADA’s 84th Scientific Sessions, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcer prevention will be spotlighted.
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Smart Scales have traditionally been used by consumers to track their personal wellness metrics. However, Withings saw an opportunity to use highly sophisticated technologies in an at-home setting that provide critical data for providers to make more timely and informed care decisions. Body Pro 2 is that type of technology - a scale that adds both nuance and robustness to at-home health management and has the potential to improve the early detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathies (DPN).
Remote patient monitoring provides immediate, daily measurements to track and manage patient care for at-risk patients. As the creator of the original home smart scale, Withings has 15 years of experience in this field and hundreds of peer-reviewed studies of its products and measurements. In 2022 Withings acquired Sudoscan®, the FDA-cleared medical device for assessing DPN. We have now incorporated the Sudoscan® technology - which is already used by thousands of clinicians around the world - in our Body Pro 2 device.
Rather than hoping patients come for a regular foot exam, doctors and other health professionals can now monitor signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy with daily readings to detect the earliest changes in small fiber neuropathy, at a stage when interventions can have the most profound effect. With 70% of patients with diabetes suffering from DPN at some point, regular assessment is critical. Unfortunately, annual comprehensive foot exams, as recommended by the ADA, have patient compliance issues and the conventional assessment techniques used by primary care practitioners (PCPs) often miss asymptomatic patients.
Body Pro 2 assesses small fiber nerves by emitting low voltage pulses to stimulate the sweat glands in the foot and measures reactivity to the impulse, providing a quantitative Electrochemical Skin Conductance (ESC) score. An equivalence study compared the ESC measurements of Withings’ at-home device with those of the Sudoscan device which has been used in specialty clinics and hospital settings for more than 10 years (1). The multi-center, cross-sectional study was carried out in four French university hospitals with 147 patients. Results demonstrated an almost perfect agreement in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and repeatability.
Within 60 seconds of stepping on the scale, patients and care teams receive feedback indicating whether small fiber neuropathy may be present. Care teams can then determine, based on the potential extent of the neuropathy, whether ongoing monitoring or immediate referral to a specialist is needed. The data are displayed on the screen and seamlessly transmitted to the care team by cellular, wireless, or bluetooth technology. This connectivity allows the physician to communicate with the patient and provide instructions for care.
Beyond the usual weight and BMI biomarkers, the Body Pro 2 is the first at-home cellular scale to measure body composition using multifrequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). The body composition readings include fat mass, visceral fat, muscle mass, bone mass, and water percentage. A built-in algorithm, ProgramMemberID, assures that the data are coming from the patient - not a family member - and an engagement score helps a provider adjust advice to the patient accordingly.
Eric Carreel, Founder and President of Withings, commented, "Body Pro 2 allows for early detection of a largely underdiagnosed condition and therefore a better management of the diabetic foot. I also believe that providing access to longitudinal ESC data has the potential to help the industry rethink how we should care for patients with diabetes."
Riveline JP, Mallone R, Tiercelin C, Yaker F, Alexandre-Heymann L, Khelifaoui L, Travert F, Fertichon C, Julla JB, Vidal-Trecan T, Potier L, Gautier JF, Larger E, Lefaucheur JP. Validation of the Body Scan®, a new Device to detect small fiber neuropathy by assessment of the sudomotor function: agreement with the Sudoscan®. Front Neurol. 2023 Oct 31;14:1256984. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1256984. PMID: 38020587; PMCID: PMC10644320
Amit Goel et al., « Comparison of Electrochemical Skin Conductance and Vibration Perception Threshold Measurement in the Detection of Early Diabetic Neuropathy », PLOS ONE 12, no 9 (7 septembre 2017): e0183973, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183973
Angelica Carbajal-Ramírez et al., « Early Identification of Peripheral Neuropathy Based on Sudomotor Dysfunction in Mexican Patients with Type 2 Diabetes », BMC Neurology 19, no 1 (31 mai 2019): 109, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-019-1332-4
Selvarajah D, Cash T, Davies J, Sankar A, Rao G, Grieg M, Pallai S, Gandhi R, Wilkinson ID, Tesfaye S. SUDOSCAN: A Simple, Rapid, and Objective Method with Potential for Screening for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. PLoS One. 2015 Oct 12;10(10):e0138224
Interested in partnering with us?
Contact Us
[post_title] => Withings Introduces Body Pro 2, an Rx Device for Early Detection of DPN*
[post_excerpt] => Smart Scales have traditionally been used by consumers to track their personal wellness metrics. However, Withings saw an opportunity to use highly sophisticated technologies in an at-home setting that provide critical data for providers to make more timely and informed care decisions. Body Pro 2 is that type of technology - a scale that adds both nuance and robustness to at-home health management and has the potential to improve the early detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathies (DPN).
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Article
Withings Introduces Body Pro 2, an Rx Device for Early Detection of DPN*