Objective To determine whether history of pre-morbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a prognostic factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods The relationship between DM2 and survival was analyzed in a study population consisting of 1,322 participants from six clinical trials. Results Survival did not differ by diabetes status (Log-Rank Test, p=0.98), but did differ by body mass index (BMI) (Log-Rank Test, p=0.008). In multivariate analysis, there was no significant association between diabetes and survival (p=0.18), but the risk of reaching a survival endpoint decreased by 4% for each unit increase in baseline BMI (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.99, p=0.001). DM2 was less prevalent among ALS clinical trial participants than predicted. Conclusions History of pre-morbid DM2 is not an independent prognostic factor in ALS clinical trial databases. The low DM2 prevalence rate should be examined in a large, prospective study to determine whether DM2 affects ALS risk.

Our data show that 60% of patients with muscle cramps who lack neuropathic complaints have SFN, as documented by decreased IENFD. Cramps may originate as local mediators of inflammation released by damaged small nerve that excite intramuscular nerves.

Although most neuromuscular disorders are recognized and treated in the outpatient clinic, a subset can present with rapidly advancing or severe weakness and constitute true emergencies by threatening respiratory and bulbar function. This review focuses on the recognition, diagnosis, and management of neuromuscular diseases most likely to present in the inpatient setting: infectious motor neuronopathies, inflammatory polyradiculopathies, and disorders of neuromuscular transmission. In each, the prompt recognition, diagnosis, and institution of specific therapies or supportive care can prevent mortality and mitigate morbidity.