House Concurrent Resolution 118

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING NOVEMBER 9, 2011, AS "DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY (DPN) AWARENESS DAY IN MISSISSIPPI" TO BRING ATTENTION TO DIABETES MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS.

WHEREAS, in the United States an estimated 23.6 million people, or eight percent of the total population, are affected by diabetes; and

WHEREAS, an estimated six percent of Mississippi residents over age 60 have diabetes; and

WHEREAS, the American Diabetes Association estimates that approximately 60% of people with diabetes will have some form of nerve damage such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN); and

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

WHEREAS, painful DPN may cause burning, throbbing or painful tingling in the feet or hands that can have a debilitating impact on the quality of life and on diabetes self-care; and

WHEREAS, DPN 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, DPN accounts for more diabetes-related hospitalizations than any other complication; 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 DPN at diagnosis and at least annually; and

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

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize programs such as the diabetes programs that are essential to diabetic patients for self care:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize November 9, 2011, as "Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) Awareness Day in Mississippi" and encourage all Mississippians to support organizations in the search for a cure for this condition.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the State Department of Health, the American Diabetes Association and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.