[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 6, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 66521-66522]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27199]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 6, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 66521]]


                Proclamation 8898 of November 1, 2012

                
National Diabetes Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Diabetes is a chronic, life-threatening illness that 
                touches Americans of every age, ethnicity, and 
                background. Its complications can be far-reaching: 
                diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure and new 
                cases of blindness, and people living with the disease 
                are at higher risk of high blood pressure, heart 
                disease, and stroke. Our efforts to promote greater 
                awareness and pioneering research continue to drive our 
                work toward lessening its impact on our country. This 
                month, we rededicate ourselves to that vital task and 
                commend the dedicated professionals who are leading the 
                charge against diabetes.

                Today, over 20 million Americans suffer from diabetes, 
                and public health officials estimate that more than 1 
                million new cases will be diagnosed this year. Of 
                those, some will be Type 1 diabetes, which often 
                develops during childhood. While the risk factors for 
                Type 1 diabetes are not fully understood, insulin 
                injections, regular exercise, and a healthy diet can 
                help manage the disease. In adults, the majority of new 
                cases will be Type 2 diabetes--an illness associated 
                with obesity, physical inactivity, family history of 
                diabetes, and older age. Some racial and ethnic groups 
                are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. This 
                form of the disease has also become more prevalent 
                among youth. While Type 2 diabetes can be treated 
                through diet and medication, research shows that it can 
                also be prevented or delayed with changes in lifestyle. 
                I encourage all Americans to learn more about diabetes 
                at www.NDEP.NIH.gov, and to talk to their health care 
                provider about what they can do to reduce their risk of 
                developing this serious disease.

                As long as diabetes continues to burden our 
                communities, we must press on toward tomorrow's 
                promising breakthroughs in prevention, treatment, and 
                care. My Administration is proud to help advance this 
                cause through the National Diabetes Prevention Program, 
                which was included in the Affordable Care Act. This 
                program joins private and public partners together in 
                encouraging lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay 
                the onset of Type 2 diabetes among those who are at 
                high risk. The Affordable Care Act also ensures that, 
                in many health plans, Americans at higher risk for 
                developing diabetes can receive diabetes screening with 
                no out-of-pocket costs. We have worked to equip 
                Americans with the facts about diabetes through the 
                National Diabetes Education Program, which promotes 
                early diagnosis and effective diabetes management. To 
                address the rise in childhood obesity that puts our 
                young people at greater risk of developing diabetes, 
                heart disease, and cancer during adulthood, First Lady 
                Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative has focused on 
                giving children and parents the tools they need to make 
                healthy choices and put their kids on the path to a 
                bright future.

                With dedication, persistence, and ingenuity, we can put 
                an end to the diabetes epidemic. In memory of those we 
                have lost, and in solidarity with all who have felt the 
                impact of this disease, let us keep fighting

[[Page 66522]]

                to secure better outcomes for Americans living with 
                diabetes, fuller understanding of how we can prevent 
                new cases, and greater wellness for every man, woman, 
                and child.

                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 2012 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 twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-27199
Filed 11-5-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F3