[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 44 (Monday, November 4, 2002)]
[Pages 1905-1906]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7618--National Diabetes Month, 2002

 October 31, 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

[[Page 1906]]

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.
     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.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 4, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
November 5.