Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 212 / Thursday, November 2, 2006 / Presidential Documents 64619 

Proclamation 8077 of October 30, 2006 

National Diabetes Month, 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 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. 


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64620 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 212 / Thursday, November 2, 2006 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. 06–9062 

Filed 11–1–06; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–01–P 


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