For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
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 affects on organ systems. Type 1 diabetes, also
known as juvenile diabetes, is an auto-immune 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.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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