MOBILE, Ala. -- U.S. President Barack Obama signed a proclamation last week to draw attention to the enormous amount of people suffering from diabetes as he proclaimed November as National Diabetes Awareness Month. With more than 25 million Americans living with a diabetes diagnosis, and
many more going undiagnosed, diabetes affects people across our country and
remains a pressing national health concern. Alabama is one of six states in the U.S. where at least 10 percent of the population has been diagnosed with diabetes.
"During National Diabetes Month, we
renew our dedication to combating this chronic, life-threatening illness by
standing with those living with diabetes," according to the proclamation, "honoring the professionals and
advocates engaged in fighting diabetes, and working to raise awareness about
prevention and treatment."
Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke,
kidney failure, and blindness. Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in children,
limits insulin production and its causes are not well defined. Type 2 diabetes,
which accounts for more than 90 percent of diabetes cases, has been linked to
older age and family history, although it is increasingly being diagnosed in
younger Americans and is associated with obesity and inactivity.
The risk is
particularly high among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians,
and some Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. People should talk to their health care provider about steps they can take to prevent or
manage this disease.
"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," the president said in the proclamation.
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