[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7953--NOV. 2, 2005
Proclamation 7953 of November 2, 2005
National Diabetes Month, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Americans of all ages and backgrounds live with diabetes. Nearly 21
million of our citizens have this disease, and researchers estimate that
more than 6 million of these individuals have not been diagnosed and are
unaware they have it. National Diabetes Month is an opportunity to
educate citizens about diabetes and what they can do to help prevent and
treat this disease.
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes, destroys insulin-
producing cells and usually strikes children and teenagers. Nearly 95
percent of all diabetics suffer from type 2 diabetes, a condition in
which the body fails to produce or to use insulin properly. Type 2
diabetes typically occurs in inactive or obese adults or individuals
with a family history of the disease and now increasingly appears in
inactive or overweight children. Because of a lack of insulin, diabetics
face poten

[[Page 3824]]
119 STAT. 3824

tial blindness, nontraumatic amputations, kidney disease, and increased
risk of heart disease and stroke.
Studies have shown that minor weight loss and daily exercise can help
prevent and reduce the effects of diabetes. I encourage all Americans to
follow the new dietary guidelines released by the Department of Health
and Human Services earlier this year that emphasize the importance of
nutritious foods and regular physical activity. In addition to taking
steps toward a healthier lifestyle, Americans should consult their
doctors for preventive screenings to detect diabetes in its earliest
stages. Under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and
Modernization Act of 2003, these screenings are now covered for Medicare
beneficiaries. These simple tests can save lives and help prevent this
potentially life-threatening illness.
My Administration remains committed to fighting diabetes through
research and prevention, and we will continue to support the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) and others in their efforts to combat this
disease. This year, the NIH dedicated more than $1 billion to diabetes
research. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the
NIH are also sponsoring the National Diabetes Education Program, which
has helped to inform more than 180 million Americans in the last 3 years
about healthy choices and the risk factors of diabetes.
During National Diabetes Month and throughout the year, we pay tribute
to the doctors, nurses, scientists, researchers, and all those dedicated
to the fight against diabetes. I urge the millions of Americans living
with this disease and all citizens to lead healthy lives and to motivate
others to do the same. By working together to prevent this disease, we
can improve the quality of life for more 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 2005 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 second day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH