H.R. No. 1802
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a serious
condition that damages nerve fibers through prolonged exposure to
high amounts of glucose in the bloodstream as a result of diabetes;
and
WHEREAS, In Texas, an estimated 1.7 million adults are living
with diabetes, and well over 400,000 are believed to have
undiagnosed diabetes; more than half of all diabetics suffer from
DPN, which often results in pain or numbness in the feet, but can
affect nearly any nerve in the body; and
WHEREAS, Because DPN affects the very ends of nerves first,
starting with the longest nerves, feet and legs are often affected
initially, followed by hands and arms; possible signs and symptoms
include numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or changes in
temperature, a tingling or burning sensation, sharp, jabbing pain
that may be worse at night, pain or difficulty when walking, extreme
sensitivity to the lightest touch, muscle weakness, and foot
problems such as ulcers, infections, and deformities; and
WHEREAS, Exercise is critical in managing diabetes, but DPN
can make it difficult to stay physically active, diminishing
glycemic control and making sufferers more likely to develop
additional health problems, including further nerve damage; people
with neuropathy need to take special care of their feet, as loss of
sensation means that sores or injuries may not be noticed and can
become ulcerated or infected; and
WHEREAS, The leading cause of amputations in the United
States, DPN causes from 40 to 60 percent of lower extremity
amputations, but comprehensive foot care programs may reduce
amputation rates by an estimated 45 to 85 percent; and
WHEREAS, It is vital that people with diabetes make healthy
lifestyle choices to keep blood sugar under control, and that they
be aware of the warning signs of DPN and seek early diagnosis in
order to limit complications and potentially delay the onset or
progression of this life-changing condition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize May 16-20, 2011, as Diabetic
Peripheral Neuropathy Awareness Week and encourage all Texans to
learn more about the dangers of DPN.
Gonzales of Hidalgo
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1802 was adopted by the House on May
19, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House