Ronald Reagan

“ Eleven million Americans suffer from diabetes. The disease strikes men, women, and children of all races. It takes many forms and is likely to have many causes, but the long-term outcome is the same-over the years, diabetes damages the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. The disease and its complications affect individuals and our country heavily in terms of illness, disability, and economic loss.
Through research, we are learning how diabetes occurs, how it causes complications, and how in the future we may short-circuit its effects. ”

“ In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth. ”

“ Through research we can find a way to eradicate this disease, and through public awareness we can keep those with diabetes healthier than ever before. The continued cooperation of the Federal Government, the scientific community, and private individuals and organizations makes our success in both these realms possible. ”