[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 214 (Tuesday, November 5, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 67295-67296]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-28260]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 214 / Tuesday, November 5, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 67295]]


                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.

[[Page 67296]]

                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

[FR Doc. 02-28260
Filed 11-4-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P