Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 215 / Thursday, November 6, 2014 / Presidential Documents 65865 

Proclamation 9204 of October 31, 2014 

National Diabetes Month, 2014 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Today, nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes. This devastating disease 

affects men and women of all backgrounds and ages, and can cause serious 

health complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, 

stroke, and the loss of lower limbs. During National Diabetes Month, we 

stand with all those battling this chronic, life-threatening disease and their 

families, and we pay tribute to the advocates, researchers, and health care 

professionals who are committed to supporting healthy lifestyles in communities across our country. 

Most commonly diagnosed in young people, type 1 diabetes has no known 

method of prevention. However, it can be managed with regular exercise, 

good nutrition, and proper medication. Type 2 diabetes accounts for roughly 

90 to 95 percent of diagnosed cases of diabetes in adults, and the risk 

of developing it is commonly associated with older age, obesity, physical 

inactivity, and a family history of diabetes. African Americans, Hispanic 

Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for this disease and its complications. In 

some cases, losing weight, eating healthy, and being more active can help 

prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Americans who are at risk for this disease 

can consult with a health care provider to discuss the steps they can take 

to reduce their chances of developing diabetes. 

My Administration is committed to finding a cure for both type 1 and 

type 2 diabetes, and we continue to invest in critical research to prevent 

this disease, increase the quality of care, and reduce its devastating complications. Established to help translate the important findings of this research 

into practice, the National Diabetes Education Program works to raise awareness of this disease among high risk individuals and to improve treatment 

and outcomes for those living with it. To learn more about diabetes, individuals can visit www.NDEP.NIH.gov. 

The Affordable Care Act prevents health insurance companies from denying 

coverage due to a pre-existing condition, such as a diabetes diagnosis, and 

requires that insurers cover recommended diabetes screenings without a 

copay for adults with high blood pressure. My Administration also encourages public-private partnerships that are helping Americans at risk of type 

2 diabetes take action to prevent the onset of the disease. And as more 

than one-third of American children and adolescents are overweight or 

obese—putting a new generation at risk for diabetes—First Lady Michelle 

Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative seeks to increase opportunities for young 

people to engage in physical activity and make healthy choices. 

All Americans deserve the chance to lead healthy lives and achieve their 

full potential. During National Diabetes Month, we honor the memory of 

those we have lost to diabetes, and we recommit to pursuing solutions 

that will shed light on this disease, moving our Nation closer to a healthier 

tomorrow for all. 

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 2014 


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65866 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 215 / Thursday, November 6, 2014 / Presidential Documents 

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 thirty-first day 

of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtyninth. 

[FR Doc. 2014–26491 

Filed 11–5–14; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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