Sponsored by:
Senator ROBERT M. GORDON
District 38 (Bergen)
Senator JOSEPH F. VITALE
District 19 (Middlesex)
SYNOPSIS
Designates third full week of May in each year as “Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Awareness Week.”
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating the third full week of May in each year as “Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Awareness Week.”
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 that there are approximately 473,000 adults diagnosed with diabetes living in New Jersey, who represent 7.2% of the State population; and
Whereas, Diabetes in New Jersey disproportionately affects ethnic and racial minorities; 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, or 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 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 often causes intense pain, frequently described as, tingling, shooting, burning, “pins and needles,” or sharp pain due to nerve damage; and
Whereas, Some 64% of diabetic nerve pain sufferers report that their pain interferes with the daily activities that matter to them, and 80% of them report 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 DPN at the time they are diagnosed with diabetes and at least annually; and 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 or slow 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 public awareness efforts are necessary to inform people of the many dangers posed by diabetes, as well as the steps to take to potentially delay the onset or slow the progression of DPN, and the options available to treat the pain associated with DPN; and
Whereas, The Neuropathy Association, which is the leading national nonprofit organization serving the peripheral neuropathy community, and provides support and education, advocates for patients’ interests, and promotes research into the causes of and cures for neuropathy, recognizes the third week in May as “National Neuropathy Week”; and
Whereas, This Legislature supports such public awareness efforts to inform New Jerseyans about this serious health issue; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The third full week of May in each year is designated as “Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Awareness Week.”
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates the third full week of May in each year as “Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Awareness Week,” and directs the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe this week with appropriate activities and programs.