T

102 STAT. 3200 PUBLIC LAW 100-621—NOV. 5, 1988

Public Law 100-621
100th Congress

Joint Resolution

Nov. 5,19----- TQ designate November, 1988, as "National Diabetes Month".

[S.J. Res. 272]

Whereas diabetes is a leading cause of death by disease in the
United States;

Whereas diabetes afflicts 11,000,000 Americans and over 5,000,000 of
these individuals are not aware of their illness;

Whereas nearly $14,000,000,000 annually are spent on health care
costs, disability payments, and premature mortality costs due to
diabetes;

Whereas up to 85 percent of all cases of non-insulin dependent
diabetes may be prevented through greater public understanding,
awareness, and education;

Whereas diabetes is particularly prevalent among Black, Hispanic,
Native Americans, and women;

Whereas diabetes is the number one cause of new blindness in
people between the ages of 20 and 74, and is a leading cause of
kidney disease, heart disease, strokes, birth defects, and lower life
expectancy, the severity of which all may be reduced through
greater patient and public understanding, awareness, and edu-
cation: Now therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That the month of Novem-
ber, 1988 is designated as "National Diabetes Month" and the
President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation call-
ing upon the people of the United States to observe that month with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Approved November 5, 1988.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY-S.J. Res. 272:

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988):
July 26, considered and passed Senate.
Oct. 21, considered and passed House.