WHEREAS, more than 23 million people in the United States have diabetes; and
WHEREAS, At least 57 million people in the United States have what is referred to as “pre-diabetes”; and
WHEREAS, one in 10 or 397,350 adults in Alabama have been have been told they have diabetes making the state fifth among the top 10 states in North America for prevalence of the disease; and
WHEREAS, statistics show that Alabama has high rates of obesity; adults and young people in Alabama do not engage in much physical activity; 80 percent of adults do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. The levels of fruits and vegetables consumed by teens are also low; and obesity and the lack of physical activity can contribute to an increase in type 2 diabetes; and
WHEREAS, diabetes contributes to high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, lower extremity amputations, depression, and other complications; and
WHEREAS, much of the health and economic burden of diabetes can be averted through health prevention methods; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama Department of Public Health Diabetes Prevention and
Control Program, and advocates throughout the state are committed to seeing all residents achieve total wellness, maintain healthy glycemic levels, and reduce the preventable and economic burden of the diabetes; and
WHEREAS, during the month of November emphasis is placed on diabetes health promotion and prevention activities throughout the nation:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim November 2009, as
Diabetes Month
in the State of Alabama.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 13th day of November 2009.
Governor Bob Riley
