National Diabetes Month, 2002

Proclamation 7618 of October 31, 2002

National Diabetes Month, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects
approximately 17 million Americans. During National
Diabetes Month, we renew our commitment to preventing
and eradicating this illness.

Diabetes interferes with the body's ability to process
sugars normally and can lead to adverse complications
of the eyes, heart, kidneys, or nerves. There are two
major types of diabetes, and both have debilitating
effects on organ systems. Type 1 diabetes, also known
as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disorder that
destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The
young people who are affected by this disease must
maintain their health by taking insulin and carefully
regulating their diets. Type 2 diabetes, which is also
known as ``adult onset diabetes,'' is a metabolic
disorder that is linked to a combination of genetics,
excess weight, and lack of exercise. The most common
form of diabetes is type 2, which comprises 95 percent
of the diabetes cases in our Nation. It usually occurs
in adults but now also affects a growing number of
children who do not get enough exercise. At least 16
million Americans are currently at high risk of
developing type 2 diabetes.

To ensure the future health of our Nation, Americans
must safeguard our children and our families from
diabetes by encouraging good health and regular
exercise. Following the guidelines for good nutrition,
getting enough physical exercise, and maintaining
proper weight can help prevent diabetes and aid those
suffering from it to reduce the chance of severe
complications associated with the disease. Doctors have
found that even minor weight loss in patients with type
2 diabetes can improve glucose control, decrease
dependence on medications, and enhance quality of life.

My Administration is committed to fighting diabetes and
its complications through advanced research funded by
the National Institutes of Health (NIH), improved
medical treatments, and education. In fiscal year 2002,
the NIH dedicated approximately $781 million to
diabetes research. My Administration will continue to
support NIH's important efforts in this area as well as
other scientists and researchers who are working to
prevent, manage, and cure this disease. Through the
National Diabetes Education Program, a joint effort of
the NIH and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, we are educating Americans about the
diabetes risk factors and encouraging them to make
simple changes in their life that will help them stay
healthy and prevent this serious disease. We are also
working with volunteers from the American Diabetes
Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and
other organizations to raise awareness of diabetes in
our communities and to provide assistance for families
who have loved ones with diabetes.

As we observe National Diabetes Awareness Month, I
encourage all Americans to help fight this disease by
making healthy lifestyle choices and by providing
support to those suffering from diabetes. We can help
overcome diabetes and give hope and comfort to
countless individuals in the United States and around
the world.

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 2002 as National
Diabetes Month. I call on 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 two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B