[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9051--OCT. 31, 2013

Proclamation 9051 of October 31, 2013

National Diabetes Month, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
With more than 25 million Americans living with a diabetes diagnosis,
and many more going undiagnosed, diabetes affects people across our
country and remains a pressing national health concern. During National
Diabetes Month, we renew our dedication to combating this chronic, life-
threatening illness by standing with those living with diabetes,
honoring the professionals and advocates engaged in fighting diabetes,
and working to raise awareness about prevention and treatment.
Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease,
stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed
in children, limits insulin production and its causes are not well
defined. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for more than 90 percent of
diabetes cases, has been linked to older age and family history,
although it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger Americans and is
associated with obesity and inactivity. The risk is particularly high
among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and some
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. I encourage all Americans to talk
to their health care provider about steps they can take to prevent or
manage this disease.
With diabetes ranking among the leading causes of death in the United
States, my Administration is committed to supporting Americans living
with diabetes, investing in promising scientific research, advancing
work toward improved treatment and care, and bolstering prevention
efforts. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, beginning in 2014, no
American with diabetes can be denied health insurance based on their
diagnosis, and in most plans, Americans at increased risk can access
diabetes screenings at no cost to them. The National Diabetes Prevention
Program engages private and public partners to help people with
prediabetes adopt lifestyles that can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes,
and the National Diabetes Education Program focuses on delaying and
preventing disease onset while also working to improve outcomes for
those living with the disease.
With our next generation in mind, First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's
Move! initiative has taken on the staggering rise in childhood obesity
our Nation has seen over the past three decades, and Let's Move! is
empowering families and communities to put children on a path to
healthier futures. Obese children face an increased risk of adult
obesity and all the health risks that come with it, including Type 2
diabetes. By connecting children with healthy, affordable food options
and the opportunity to be active in their communities, Let's Move! is
helping our sons and daughters reach a healthier, more promising
tomorrow.
This month, as we remember those we have lost to diabetes and support
those living with the illness, let us look to a day with fewer cases of
diabetes, a firmer understanding of the disease, and better outcomes for
all those affected. By continuing the important research, outreach, and
care delivery we have already begun, we know we can get there.



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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 2013 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 thirty-first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA