    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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

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    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