National Diabetes Month, 2011

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 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.