[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

123 STAT. 3730
 
PROCLAMATION 8447--OCT. 30, 2009

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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA