SR0630 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0630 LRB097 20578 RPM 66208 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is estimated that 23.6 million people in the United States, or 7.8% of the total population, are affected by diabetes; and

WHEREAS, The American Diabetes Association estimates that about 60% to 70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nervous system damage due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy; and

WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a serious condition that damages nerve fibers due to prolonged exposure to high amounts of glucose in the bloodstream; and

WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can occur whether a person has Type I diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, or Type II diabetes, which is typically adult-onset; and

WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy accounts for more diabetes-related hospitalizations than any other complication; and

WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy often causes intense pain, frequently described as tingling, shooting, burning, pins and needles, or sharp pain due to nerve damage; and

WHEREAS, Sixty-four percent of diabetic nerve pain sufferers reported that their pain interferes with the daily activities that matter to them, and 80% of diabetic nerve pain patients reported problems with mobility; and

WHEREAS, Diabetic nerve pain may make it difficult to stay physically active and exercise, a critical component of diabetes management, which may contribute to worsening glycemic control and make sufferers more likely to develop additional health problems, including more nerve damage; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Diabetes Association, patients with diabetes should be screened for diabetic peripheral neuropathy at diagnosis and at least annually; and

WHEREAS, It is important that people with diabetes be aware of the dangers and warning signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and make healthy lifestyle choices to potentially delay the onset or slow down the progression of this life-changing condition; and

WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a serious health issue deserving of attention from the General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, An increase in community awareness of risk factors and symptoms related to diabetes can improve the likelihood that people with diabetes will get the attention they need before suffering devastating complications; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate November 2012 as Illinois Diabetes Month, during which time we encourage all Illinoisans to recognize the many dangers posed by diabetes and what steps they should take to potentially delay the onset or slow the progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and remember there are options to treat the pain associated with it.