SR0630LRB097 20578 RPM 66208 r

1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, It is estimated that 23.6 million people in the
3United States, or 7.8% of the total population, are affected by
4diabetes; and
 
5    WHEREAS, The American Diabetes Association estimates that
6about 60% to 70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe
7forms of nervous system damage due to diabetic peripheral
8neuropathy; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a serious
10condition that damages nerve fibers due to prolonged exposure
11to high amounts of glucose in the bloodstream; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can occur whether
13a person has Type I diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes,
14or Type II diabetes, which is typically adult-onset; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy accounts for more
16diabetes-related hospitalizations than any other complication;
17and
 
18    WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy often causes
19intense pain, frequently described as tingling, shooting,
20burning, pins and needles, or sharp pain due to nerve damage;

 

 

SR0630- 2 -LRB097 20578 RPM 66208 r

1and
 
2    WHEREAS, Sixty-four percent of diabetic nerve pain
3sufferers reported that their pain interferes with the daily
4activities that matter to them, and 80% of diabetic nerve pain
5patients reported problems with mobility; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Diabetic nerve pain may make it difficult to stay
7physically active and exercise, a critical component of
8diabetes management, which may contribute to worsening
9glycemic control and make sufferers more likely to develop
10additional health problems, including more nerve damage; and
 
11    WHEREAS, According to the American Diabetes Association,
12patients with diabetes should be screened for diabetic
13peripheral neuropathy at diagnosis and at least annually; and
 
14    WHEREAS, It is important that people with diabetes be aware
15of the dangers and warning signs of diabetic peripheral
16neuropathy and make healthy lifestyle choices to potentially
17delay the onset or slow down the progression of this
18life-changing condition; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a serious
20health issue deserving of attention from the General Assembly;
21and
 

 

 

SR0630- 3 -LRB097 20578 RPM 66208 r

1    WHEREAS, An increase in community awareness of risk factors
2and symptoms related to diabetes can improve the likelihood
3that people with diabetes will get the attention they need
4before suffering devastating complications; therefore, be it
 
5    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL
6ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate November
72012 as Illinois Diabetes Month, during which time we encourage
8all Illinoisans to recognize the many dangers posed by diabetes
9and what steps they should take to potentially delay the onset
10or slow the progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and
11remember there are options to treat the pain associated with
12it.