[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 214 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62505-62506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-28002]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 214 / Wednesday, November 5, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62505]]


                Proclamation 7729 of 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 amputations. 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.

[[Page 62506]]

                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.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-28002
Filed 11-4-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P