The medical listing that pertains to this disease is below. It refers to
other parts of the listings which can be found on my medical listing page. I will define some of the terms used here. Neuropathy is peripheral nerve dysfunction. Acidosis
is excess acid in the body fluids. Retinitis proliferans is inflammation of the retina. Diabetes Mellitus can
affect motor function and eye sight as demonstrated by the listing. To prove you meet this listed impairment it would
be a good idea to show your treating doctor the listing with the other sections it refers to. A Doctor who writes a
report on how you meet one of the below requirements will go a long way to help proving your case.
9.08
Diabetes mellitus. With:
A.Neuropathy
demonstrated by significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities resulting in sustained
disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station (see 11.00C); or
B.
Acidosis occurring at least on the average of once every 2 months documented by appropriate blood chemical tests
(pH or pC02 or bicarbonate levels); or
C. Retinitis proliferans;
evaluate the visual impairment under the criteria in 2.02, 2.03, or 2.04.
Even if your DM is not severe
enough to be found under the medical listing the symptoms of diabetes can cause significant functional limitations.
These limitations can be used to show you can't work. Some of the common ones are decrease in eye sight, kidney
dysfunction, neuropathy. These symptoms can show both exertional and non-exertional limitations. One may have
difficulty walking, standing for long periods of time, or may have to elevate their legs. An individuals ability to
lift weight may be affected. If decrease in vision occurs this could result in difficulty doing things like using a
computer, reading, working with small objects or avoiding hazards in a work environment. It is also common for those
with significant diabetes to have loss of feeling or burning in hands and/or feet. Numbness in hands can be especially
useful in showing one can not do sedentary type work like typing, writing or dealing with small objects. It is important
to remember that many people have diabetes mellitus with few if any limitations in function. The limitations I have
noted above usually occur in those with uncontrolled DM over time.
Interesting facts about Diabetes Mellitus
About three percent
of the population has the disease. It is one of the leading cause of blindness. It increase your risk of stroke
and heart attack. There are two types labeled Type One and Type Two. Type 1 also know as juvenile diabetes most
often occurs before age 30. They are dependant on insulin injections. Type 2 also called adult onset diabetes
most often affects those over 30. In this type the body does not produce enough insulin to maintain proper glucose level
and is often able to be controlled by diet and/or pills.
