National Diabetes Month, 2006

Proclamation 8077 of October 30, 2006

National Diabetes Month, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

National Diabetes Month is an opportunity to raise
awareness of risk factors, prevention, and treatment of
this serious disease.

Diabetes is a chronic illness affecting nearly 21
million Americans of all ages and backgrounds. It can
cause blindness, nontraumatic amputations, kidney
disease, and increased risk of heart disease and
stroke. Though diabetes affects Americans of all racial
and ethnic backgrounds, certain groups are at higher
risk, including Hispanic, Asian/Pacific, African, and
Native Americans. A small percentage of people with the
disease suffer from Type 1 diabetes, once known as
juvenile diabetes. These individuals are usually
children or young adults whose bodies are unable to
make insulin. Type 2 diabetes is more common and
frequently occurs in individuals who have a family
history of the disease and in people who are obese,
inactive, or older. This form of diabetes stops a
person's body from using insulin properly. By
maintaining healthy eating habits and exercising daily,
Americans can help prevent and reduce the effects of
diabetes. Individuals should consult with their doctors
and receive a preventive screening to help detect
diabetes in its earliest stages.

My Administration has demonstrated a strong commitment
to preventing and finding a cure for diabetes. We have
supported funding for diabetes education programs and
research initiatives, and this year the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that more than $1
billion will be spent on diabetes research. The NIH and
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are
sponsoring the National Diabetes Education Program,
which has helped inform millions of Americans about the
risk factors of diabetes and the benefits of making
healthy choices. By working together we can continue to
make significant strides in the battle to beat this
disease and provide a brighter future for many of our
citizens.

As we observe National Diabetes Month, we recognize the
medical professionals, researchers, and all those whose
tireless efforts are making a positive difference in
the lives of Americans suffering from this disease.
This month we reaffirm our commitment to fighting
diabetes, and through medical advances, preventive
programs, and quality health care, we will help
diabetes patients live longer, healthier, and happier
lives.

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 2006 as National
Diabetes Month. I call upon all Americans to learn more
about the risk factors and symptoms associated with
diabetes and to observe this month with appropriate
programs and activities.

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