[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 214 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 68617-68618]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-28841]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76 , No. 214 / Friday, November 4, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 68617]]


                Proclamation 8746 of November 1, 2011

                
National Diabetes Month, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Though we have made substantial progress in combating 
                diabetes, the number of Americans burdened by this 
                disease continues to grow at a rapid pace. During 
                National Diabetes Month, we commemorate the work of 
                caregivers, researchers, medical professionals, and 
                advocates who lead the fight against diabetes, and we 
                recommit to educating ourselves and our communities 
                about how we can manage, treat, and prevent this 
                disease.

                Diabetes can have a devastating impact on the health 
                and well-being of those it affects, and it remains an 
                urgent threat to our public health. In addition to 
                immediate health issues, people with diabetes are more 
                likely to suffer from complications such as heart 
                attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, or kidney 
                failure. Most often diagnosed in young people, Type 1 
                diabetes inhibits the body's ability to produce insulin 
                and can be managed with insulin injections, diet, and 
                exercise. Research suggests that, unlike Type 1 
                diabetes, it is possible to prevent or delay Type 2 
                diabetes. Yet, Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 percent 
                of diabetes cases in the United States, and it 
                continues to grow more prevalent in adults and children 
                alike. It is essential that all Americans take steps to 
                assess and reduce their risk of developing Type 2 
                diabetes by adopting a healthy diet, exercising 
                regularly, and consulting a medical professional about 
                their individual needs and risk factors.

                My Administration remains committed to advancing 
                diabetes education, research, prevention, and 
                treatment. The National Diabetes Education Program--a 
                partnership between the National Institutes of Health, 
                the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 
                more than 200 public and private organizations--works 
                to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes, 
                encourage early diagnosis, and prevent or delay the 
                onset of Type 2 diabetes. In addition, the National 
                Diabetes Prevention Program serves as part of a 
                coordinated national strategy to reduce the prevalence 
                of Type 2 diabetes by encouraging healthy eating habits 
                and offering group support for adults who are striving 
                to lose weight and get physically active. The 
                Affordable Care Act ensures that all Americans joining 
                a new health plan can receive recommended preventive 
                services, like diabetes screenings, with no out-of-
                pocket costs. And, by 2014, Americans will not be 
                denied insurance coverage because they have diabetes or 
                other pre-existing conditions.

                The increase in Type 2 diabetes among our Nation's 
                children is linked to the rise of childhood obesity. To 
                end the epidemic of childhood obesity within a 
                generation, First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! 
                initiative is inspiring children to be physically 
                active and empowering parents and caregivers to make 
                healthy choices for their families. By encouraging our 
                sons and daughters to develop healthy habits today, we 
                help ensure they have a brighter, healthier tomorrow.

                During National Diabetes Month, we remember those we 
                have lost to diabetes, and we stand with the millions 
                of Americans who have been touched by its consequences. 
                As a Nation, it is our task to reduce the incidence of 
                this illness and offer care and support to those it 
                affects. This month

[[Page 68618]]

                and throughout the year, let us continue to pursue a 
                diabetes-free future for our children, our families, 
                and all Americans.

                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 2011 as 
                National Diabetes Month. I call upon all Americans, 
                school systems, government agencies, nonprofit 
                organizations, health care providers, research 
                institutions, and other interested groups 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 
                first day of November, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-28841
Filed 11-3-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P