Press Room

Sen. Tochtrop and Rep. Levy Introduce Resolution to Raise Awareness on Painful Condition

Tuesday, March 23 2010

Resolution Introduced in Honor of Clarence Miller

DENVER—March 23, 2010—Sen. Lois Tochtrop (D-Thornton) and Rep. Claire Levy (D-Boulder) today introduced the Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Awareness Resolution (SJR 22) in honor of Clarence Miller to raise awareness about Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy—a painful and often under-diagnosed complication of diabetes. Miller, a regular at the Capitol for many years, suffers from DPN.

“As a nurse, I understand firsthand how painful and debilitating DPN and other complications of diabetes can be. This resolution hopefully will bring to the forefront a very painful condition that impacts many diabetics,” said Senator Tochtrop. “I want to personally thank Clarence for coming to the Capitol today to share his challenges with DPN. Clarence has long been one of the bright spots here at the Capitol, and too many of us never knew he was suffering from this debilitating condition.”

Many diabetics live in pain and are not aware that their pain is caused by DPN. The resulting pain can be intense, described as aching, tingling, burning and/or numbness. There is no cure, yet patients who are diagnosed accurately with DPN have treatment options available to them.

Over half of all diabetics suffer from DPN. The condition can occur whether you have Type I (also called juvenile diabetes) or Type II (typically adult-onset) diabetes.

Neuropathy is a serious issue in the United States and Colorado, affecting more than 20 million Americans and an estimated 315,000 Coloradans.  The most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes. Neuropathy accounts for more diabetes-related hospitalizations than any other complication.  The American Diabetes Association estimates the total cost of diabetes in Colorado is more than $2.5 billion annually. This includes medical costs of $1.6 billion and lost productivity valued at more than $900 million.

There is hope for diabetics suffering from DPN, but it starts with awareness.

“A correct diagnosis of DPN is the first step toward a better quality of life. We have found that many patients simply don’t associate the pain they are experiencing with their diabetes or another health factor. Consequently, they never discuss it with their physician,” said Richard B. Easley, a Fort Collins resident and a member of the board of the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, a national nonprofit that educates the public and health care professionals about peripheral neuropathy.