    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8592--OCT. 29, 2010

    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

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    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.
    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.
    BARACK OBAMA