National Diabetes Month, 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 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.