[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 212 (Wednesday, November 4, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 57231-57232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-26762]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 4, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 57231]]


                Proclamation 8447 of October 30, 2009

                
National Diabetes Month, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Diabetes directly affects the lives of millions of 
                Americans and their families. While no cure exists, 
                medical advancements are continually producing new, 
                more effective treatments to control the disease. 
                Individuals who manage their diabetes properly can 
                lower their risk of complications and live productive, 
                normal lives. During National Diabetes Month, we 
                recommit to educating Americans about the warning signs 
                of diabetes, and help those with the condition to 
                mitigate the effects of this devastating disease.

                The two common forms of diabetes are known as type 1 
                and type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when an individual's 
                immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. The 
                outlook for those with type 1 diabetes has dramatically 
                improved in the past few decades due to a host of 
                innovations. Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form 
                of diabetes, and usually affects individuals age 40 and 
                older, and those who are overweight, inactive, or have 
                a family history of the disease. Every day, 10 children 
                in this country are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes--a 
                staggering statistic that reflects the growing epidemic 
                of obesity in our country.

                Preventive care is the simplest way to avoid diabetes 
                and its complications. A healthy diet, combined with 
                daily exercise, has been shown to dramatically reduce 
                incidence of this disease. African Americans, Latinos, 
                and Native Americans, as well as the elderly, are at 
                greater risk of developing diabetes over their 
                lifetimes. As a Nation, we must ensure that all 
                Americans know the warning signs of this disease, and 
                if diagnosed, have access to affordable, quality 
                medical care to help control it.

                While diabetes is a complex and challenging disease, 
                dedicated researchers continue to make important 
                discoveries. This month, we honor those who have made 
                these successes possible, support those who are 
                battling diabetes, and rededicate ourselves to 
                sustaining Federal investments in research and 
                education programs that improve the prevention and 
                treatment of this disease.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as 
                National Diabetes Month. I encourage citizens, medical 
                institutions, Government and social service agencies, 
                businesses, non-profit organizations, and other 
                interested groups to join in activities that help 
                prevent, treat, and manage diabetes.

[[Page 57232]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-26762
Filed 11-3-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P