[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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

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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 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.
BARACK OBAMA