123STA T . 3 7 3 0PROCL A M AT I O N84 47 — OCT. 30 , 200 9Proclam a ti o n84 4 7 o fO cto be r 30,2 00 9Nation a lD ia be te sM ont h,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Diabet e sd i r e c t ly a f fects t h eli v es o f m illio n sof A mericans and their families .W hile no c u ree x ists , medical advancements are continually p roducin g ne w , more effective treatments to control the disease. I ndi - viduals who manage their diabetes properly can lower their ris k of complications and live productive, normal lives. During N ational Dia- betes M onth, we recommit to educating Americans about the warning signs of diabetes, and help those with the condition to mitigate the ef- fects of this devastating disease. T he two common forms of diabetes are known as type 1 and type 2 . Type 1 diabetes occurs when an individual ’ s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. The outlook for those with type 1 diabetes has dramatically improved in the past few decades due to a host of innova- tions. Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes, and usu- ally affects individuals age 40 and older, and those who are over- weight, inactive, or have a family history of the disease. E very day, 10 children in this country are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes — a stag- gering statistic that reflects the growing epidemic of obesity in our country. P reventive care is the simplest way to avoid diabetes and its complica- tions. A healthy diet, combined with daily exercise, has been shown to dramatically reduce incidence of this disease. African Americans, L atinos, and Native Americans, as well as the elderly, are at greater risk of developing diabetes over their lifetimes. As a Nation, we must ensure that all Americans know the warning signs of this disease, and if diagnosed, have access to affordable, q uality medical care to help control it. While diabetes is a complex and challenging disease, dedicated re- searchers continue to make important discoveries. This month, we honor those who have made these successes possible, support those who are battling diabetes, and rededicate ourselves to sustaining F ed- eral investments in research and education programs that improve the prevention and treatment of this disease. N O W,T H E R EFORE, I, B ARA CK OBAMA, President of the U nited S tates of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Novem- ber 200 9 as National Diabetes Month. I encourage citi z ens, medical in- stitutions, G overnment and social service agencies, businesses, non- profit organizations, and other interested groups to j oin in activities that help prevent, treat, and manage diabetes. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. BARACK OBAMA
