[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2411-E2412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF WORLD DIABETES DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. DONALD A. MANZULLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2007

  Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 
211, commemorating World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2007.
  The search for a cure for diabetes is a cause close to my heart. Both 
my parents were afflicted with the disease, which now strikes 246 
million people worldwide. Without early screening, prevention and 
awareness, this number is expected to rise to 380 million by 2025. In 
the United States, diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death. Across 
the world, diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death, with 80 
percent of diabetes cases now being found in the developing world. The 
case for diabetes awareness is so compelling that President Bush 
recently declared November 2007 to be National Diabetes Month. I would 
like to add his recent remarks on the subject to the Record.
  It is clear that action must be taken to slow the pace of what can 
only be described as an epidemic of diabetes. This year, the theme of 
the World Diabetes Day Campaign focuses on raising awareness of 
diabetes in children and adolescents. More than 200 children get 
diabetes every day, making it one of those most chronic diseases of 
childhood. Additionally, this demographic faces unique challenges when 
diagnosed with diabetes, as the disease can interfere with the normal 
developmental tasks of childhood and adolescence, which include 
succeeding in school and transitioning to adulthood. Through raising 
awareness, the World Diabetes Day Campaign focuses on improving early 
screening to catch early incidences of diabetes in children and 
promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
  I am proud to lend my support to H. Con. Res. 211. Together we can 
limit the incidence of this debilitating disease by spreading the 
message of awareness, treatment and prevention. I urge my colleagues to 
support this important resolution.

 National Diabetes Month, 2007--A Proclamation by the President of the 
                        United States of America

       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.

[[Page E2412]]

       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.

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