[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8898--NOV. 1, 2012

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

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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
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.
BARACK OBAMA