[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 44 (Monday, November 6, 2006)]
[Pages 1931-1932]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8077--National Diabetes Month, 2006

October 30, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    National Diabetes Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of risk 
factors, prevention, and treatment of this serious disease.
    Diabetes is a chronic illness affecting nearly 21 million Americans 
of all ages and backgrounds. It can cause blindness, nontraumatic 
amputations, kidney disease, and increased risk of heart disease and 
stroke. Though diabetes affects Americans of all racial and ethnic 
backgrounds, certain groups are at higher risk, including Hispanic, 
Asian/Pacific, African, and Native Americans. A small percentage of 
people with the disease suffer from Type 1 diabetes, once known as 
juvenile diabetes. These individuals are usually children or young 
adults whose bodies are unable to make insulin. Type 2 diabetes is more 
common and frequently occurs in individuals who have a family history of 
the disease and in people who are obese, inactive, or older. This form 
of diabetes stops a person's body from using insulin properly. By 
maintaining healthy eating habits and exercising daily, Americans can 
help prevent and reduce the effects of diabetes. Individuals should 
consult with their doctors and receive a preventive screening to help 
detect diabetes in its earliest stages.
    My Administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to preventing 
and finding a cure for diabetes. We have supported funding for diabetes 
education programs and research initiatives, and this year the National 
Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that more than $1 billion will be 
spent on diabetes research. The NIH and the Centers

[[Page 1932]]

for Disease Control and Prevention are sponsoring the National Diabetes 
Education Program, which has helped inform millions of Americans about 
the risk factors of diabetes and the benefits of making healthy choices. 
By working together we can continue to make significant strides in the 
battle to beat this disease and provide a brighter future for many of 
our citizens.

    As we observe National Diabetes Month, we recognize the medical 
professionals, researchers, and all those whose tireless efforts are 
making a positive difference in the lives of Americans suffering from 
this disease. This month we reaffirm our commitment to fighting 
diabetes, and through medical advances, preventive programs, and quality 
health care, we will help diabetes patients live longer, healthier, and 
happier lives.

    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 2006 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 thirtieth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.

                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 1 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 2. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language version of this proclamation.