[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7618]

Proc. 7618

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

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          (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.

GEORGE W. BUSH