National Diabetes Month, 2003

Proclamation 7729 of October 31, 2003

National Diabetes Month, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Almost 17 million Americans have diabetes, a disease
that prevents the body from using its own insulin to
break down sugars. It is the sixth leading cause of
death in the United States. During National Diabetes
Month, we recognize advancements in preventing,
treating, and detecting this disease, and we renew our
commitment to helping Americans with diabetes live
longer, healthier lives.

Diabetes can lead to severe complications, including
heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-
extremity amputations. Up to 1 million Americans have
type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder that destroys
insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, while an
estimated 16 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, in
which the body does not sufficiently produce or process
enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is often related to
obesity, and it is rising rapidly among men and women
of all ages. Type 2 diabetes is also on the rise among
children, for whom it was once extremely rare. Modest
weight loss, increased exercise, and a healthy diet can
decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes and help manage
its complications.

Through the HealthierUS Initiative, my Administration
is helping Americans develop the healthier habits that
can improve their quality of life. And the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and the National
Institutes of Health are working together through the
National Diabetes Education Program to educate
Americans at risk for diabetes and to instruct those
living with the disease about controlling blood
glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. By raising
awareness in our communities and providing assistance
to those battling the disease, we are fighting
diabetes.

My Administration also has demonstrated a strong
commitment to medical research by completing a 5-year
commitment to double the NIH budget to more than $27
billion. During fiscal year 2003, the NIH invested an
estimated $860.5 million into diabetes research. We
will continue to support NIH scientists and others
working to treat and cure this disease.

During National Diabetes Month, we commend those
advancing the fight against diabetes as they bring hope
and health to millions of Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim November 2003 as National
Diabetes Month. I call upon all Americans to increase
their awareness of the risk factors and symptoms
related to diabetes and to observe this month with
appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord
two thousand three, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B