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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a serious |
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condition that damages nerve fibers through prolonged exposure to |
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high amounts of glucose in the bloodstream as a result of diabetes; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, In Texas, an estimated 1.7 million adults are living |
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with diabetes, and well over 400,000 are believed to have |
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undiagnosed diabetes; more than half of all diabetics suffer from |
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DPN, which often results in pain or numbness in the feet, but can |
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affect nearly any nerve in the body; and |
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WHEREAS, Because DPN affects the very ends of nerves first, |
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starting with the longest nerves, feet and legs are often affected |
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initially, followed by hands and arms; possible signs and symptoms |
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include numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or changes in |
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temperature, a tingling or burning sensation, sharp, jabbing pain |
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that may be worse at night, pain or difficulty when walking, extreme |
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sensitivity to the lightest touch, muscle weakness, and foot |
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problems such as ulcers, infections, and deformities; and |
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WHEREAS, Exercise is critical in managing diabetes, but DPN |
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can make it difficult to stay physically active, diminishing |
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glycemic control and making sufferers more likely to develop |
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additional health problems, including further nerve damage; people |
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with neuropathy need to take special care of their feet, as loss of |
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sensation means that sores or injuries may not be noticed and can |
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become ulcerated or infected; and |
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WHEREAS, The leading cause of amputations in the United |
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States, DPN causes from 40 to 60 percent of lower extremity |
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amputations, but comprehensive foot care programs may reduce |
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amputation rates by an estimated 45 to 85 percent; and |
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WHEREAS, It is vital that people with diabetes make healthy |
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lifestyle choices to keep blood sugar under control, and that they |
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be aware of the warning signs of DPN and seek early diagnosis in |
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order to limit complications and potentially delay the onset or |
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progression of this life-changing condition; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize May 16-20, 2011, as Diabetic |
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Peripheral Neuropathy Awareness Week and encourage all Texans to |
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learn more about the dangers of DPN. |