For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 31, 2003
National Diabetes Month, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Almost 17 million Americans have diabetes, a disease that prevents
the body from using its own insulin to break down sugars. It is the
sixth leading cause of death in the United States. During National
Diabetes Month, we recognize advancements in preventing, treating, and
detecting this disease, and we renew our commitment to helping
Americans with diabetes live longer, healthier lives.
Diabetes can lead to severe complications, including heart disease,
blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputa-tions. Up to 1
million Americans have type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder that
destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, while an estimated 16
million Americans have type 2 diabetes, in which the body does not
sufficiently produce or process enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is
often related to obesity, and it is rising rapidly among men and women
of all ages. Type 2 diabetes is also on the rise among children, for
whom it was once extremely rare. Modest weight loss, increased
exercise, and a healthy diet can decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes
and help manage its complications.
Through the HealthierUS Initiative, my Administration is helping
Americans develop the healthier habits that can improve their quality
of life. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the
National Institutes of Health are working together through the National
Diabetes Education Program to educate Americans at risk for diabetes
and to instruct those living with the disease about controlling blood
glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. By raising awareness in our
communities and providing assistance to those battling the disease, we
are fighting diabetes.
My Administration also has demonstrated a strong commitment to
medical research by completing a 5-year commitment to double the NIH
budget to more than $27 billion. During fiscal year 2003, the NIH
invested an estimated $860.5 million into diabetes research. We will
continue to support NIH scientists and others working to treat and cure
this disease.
During National Diabetes Month, we commend those advancing the
fight against diabetes as they bring hope and health to millions of
Americans.
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 2003 as
National Diabetes Month. I call upon 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 three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|