[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