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TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND DECLARE JUNE 20, 2015, AS DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY ALERT DAY IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, in the United States, it is estimated that 25.8 million people, or 8.3 percent of the total population, are affected by diabetes; and
Whereas, the American Diabetes Association estimates that over sixty percent of all people with diabetes suffer from 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 often causes intense pain, frequently described as aching, tingling, burning, and numbness of the feet, which often results in serious foot problems, due to nerve damage; and
Whereas, although it can hurt, diabetic nerve damage also can lessen the ability to feel pain, heat, and cold, which means that diabetic patients may not feel a foot injury or even a stone in their shoe or a nail in their foot; and
Whereas, the rate of amputations in people with diabetes is ten times higher than for people without diabetes, and studies show that more than sixty percent of nontraumatic lower-extremity amputations are due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy; 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, regular clinical screenings can reduce the burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathy; and
Whereas, quality measures, such as those put forth by the Physician Quality Reporting System, can ensure that patients are receiving appropriate evaluations needed to prevent complications resulting from inadequately managed diabetic peripheral neuropathy; and
Whereas, these kinds of endorsed quality measures should be considered for incorporation into new models of healthcare payment and delivery, such as accountable care organizations; and
Whereas, it is important that South Carolinians with diabetes be aware of the dangers and warning signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and make healthy lifestyle choices to prevent the onset of this life-changing condition. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, raise awareness about the dangers of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and declare June 20, 2015, as Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Alert Day in South Carolina.
This web page was last updated on May 6, 2015 at 11:43 AM