[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8592--OCT. 29, 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

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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.
BARACK OBAMA