National Diabetes Month, 2007

Proclamation 8201 of October 31, 2007

National Diabetes Month, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Diabetes is a debilitating disease that affects
millions of Americans of all ages and all walks of
life. National Diabetes Month is an opportunity to
raise awareness about risk factors, prevention, and
treatment of this serious disease.

Diabetes is a chronic illness that leaves the body
unable to produce or properly use insulin to maintain
healthy blood glucose levels. The two most common forms
of the disease that affect our citizens are Type 1 and
Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, once known as
juvenile diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and
young adults who are unable to produce insulin and
require daily medication. Type 2 diabetes, the most
common form of the disease, is often attributed to
lifestyle risk factors and can be controlled by a
modified diet, regular physical activity, and
medication. Americans can take steps to control the
disease and lower the risk of complications such as
heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease by
maintaining healthy eating and exercise habits, and
consulting with a doctor about diabetes testing.

My Administration is committed to providing better care
for people living with diabetes and furthering efforts
to find a cure. We have supported research initiatives
and education programs that encourage healthy living,
and we have also modified Medicare coverage to include
diabetes screenings. This year, the National Institutes
of Health estimates that more than $1 billion will be
spent on diabetes research. By working together, we can
help identify problems early, manage them before they
grow worse, and help ensure more Americans live longer,
healthier lives.

Throughout National Diabetes Month, we recognize the
medical professionals, scientists, researchers, and all
those whose efforts have made a positive difference in
the fight against diabetes. By raising public
awareness, we can help combat the effects of diabetes
in our society and bring hope to children and families
living with this disease.

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 2007 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
thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord
two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.