Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 213 / Thursday, November 4, 2010 / Presidential Documents 67901 

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. 


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67902 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 213 / Thursday, November 4, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

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 thirtyfifth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–28064 

Filed 11–3–10; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W1–P 


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