[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 213 (Thursday, November 4, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 67901-67902]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-28064]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75 , No. 213 / Thursday, November 4, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 67901]]


                Proclamation 8592 of October 29, 2010

                
National Diabetes Month, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 Today, nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, and 
                thousands more are diagnosed each day. During National 
                Diabetes Month, we recommit to educating Americans 
                about the risk factors and warning signs of diabetes, 
                and we honor all those living with or lost to this 
                disease.

                Diabetes can lead to severe health problems and 
                complications such as heart disease, stroke, vision 
                loss, kidney disease, nerve damage, and amputation. 
                Type 1 diabetes, which can occur at any age but is most 
                often diagnosed in young people, is managed by a 
                lifetime of regular medication or insulin treatment. 
                Type 2 diabetes is far more common, and the number of 
                people developing or at elevated risk for the disease 
                is growing at an alarming rate, including among our 
                Nation's children. Risk is highest among individuals 
                over the age of 45, particularly those who are 
                overweight, inactive, or have a family history of the 
                disease, as well as among certain racial and minority 
                groups. While less prevalent, gestational diabetes in 
                expectant mothers may lead to a more complicated or 
                dangerous delivery, and can contribute to their child's 
                obesity later in life. With more Americans becoming 
                affected by diabetes and its consequences every day, 
                our Nation must work together to better prevent, 
                manage, and treat this disease in all its variations.

                 Obesity is one of the most significant risk factors 
                for Type 2 diabetes. National Diabetes Month gives 
                Americans an opportunity to redouble their efforts to 
                reduce their chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by 
                engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a 
                healthy weight, and making nutritious food choices. For 
                people already living with diabetes, these lifestyle 
                changes can help with the management of this disease, 
                and delay or prevent complications.

                We must also do more to reverse the climbing rates of 
                childhood obesity so all America's children can grow 
                into healthy, happy, and active adults. Through her 
                ``Let's Move!'' initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama 
                is helping to lead an Administration-wide effort to 
                solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a 
                generation. ``Let's Move!'' promotes nutritious foods 
                and physical activities that lead to life-long healthy 
                habits. I encourage all parents, educators, and 
                concerned Americans to visit www.LetsMove.gov for more 
                information and resources on making healthy choices for 
                our children.

                The new health insurance reform law, the Affordable 
                Care Act, adds a number of tools for reversing the 
                increase in diabetes and caring for those facing this 
                disease. Insurance companies are no longer able to deny 
                health coverage or exclude benefits for children due to 
                a pre-existing condition, including diabetes. This 
                vital protection will apply to all Americans by 2014. 
                Also, all new health plans and Medicare must now 
                provide diabetes screenings free of charge to patients, 
                and Medicare covers the full cost of medical 
                nutritional therapy to help seniors manage diabetes. 
                This landmark new law also requires most chain 
                restaurants to clearly post nutritional information on 
                their menus, ensuring that Americans have consistent 
                facts about food choices and can make more informed, 
                healthier selections.

[[Page 67902]]

                In recognition of National Diabetes Month, I commend 
                those bravely fighting this disease; the families and 
                friends who support them; and the health care 
                providers, researchers, and advocates working to reduce 
                this disease's impact on our Nation. Together, we can 
                take the small steps that lead to big rewards--a 
                healthier future for our citizens and our Nation.

                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 2010 as 
                National Diabetes Month. I call upon all Americans, 
                school systems, government agencies, nonprofit 
                organizations, health care providers, and research 
                institutions to join in activities that raise diabetes 
                awareness and help prevent, treat, and manage the 
                disease.

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

[FR Doc. 2010-28064
Filed 11-3-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P