National Diabetes Month, 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 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.