Diabetes Awareness Month

Two weeks of November have passed by and Diabetes Awareness Month is well under way. This month marks a time for companies and advocates within the community to come together and raise awareness for this chronic disease.


24 million Americans suffer from diabetes and unfortunately, these numbers continue to rise at an alarming rate. While death tolls due to cancer and heart disease have declined, diabetes related deaths are escalating. It is my hope that this month will give people living with diabetes the opportunity to take a stand and say, "Enough is enough!" 


Our country has some pretty amazing resources set up to manage and treat this disease. Nutritional data is readily available in many stores and restaurants. Walking trails and gyms exist within towns. The internet is inundated with non-profits and groups to lean on for support and to go to for advice. Doctors have an incredible amount of new technology at their fingertips. And we have the power to care for ourselves to the best of our ability. This is more than many other countries could ever hope for and I for one will continue to take full-advantage of these assets.


It is my hope that the month of November will cause people to take pause, educate themselves on diabetes, and move forward with the understanding that we need to put an end to this disease. I'm certain that all of our lives have been touched by diabetes in one form or another. Please join me in fighting for that ever-so-needed cure.


Political views aside, I leave you with a proclamation from the President of the United States...

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