Ronald Reagan

“ Diabetes mellitus is one of the most serious medical and public health problems challenging this Nation today. Approximately 11 million Americans suffer from this disease. Although careful treatment can control many of the short-term metabolic effects of diabetes, the disease is also associated with serious long-term complications that affect the eyes, kidneys, nervous system, and blood vessels. Physical, emotional, and financial consequences of this disease impose an enormous burden on its sufferers, their families, and the Nation in general. ”

“ In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in' the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and ninth. ”

“ However, basic biomedical research and its translation into clinical practice still remain the bedrock of hope for discovering the ultimate answers to this complex disease and its myriad complications. The Federal government, in cooperation with the private sector, is deeply committed to supporting basic research on diabetes so that we can conquer this major public health problem for all present and future Americans. ”