According to American Diabetes Association, 1 in 4 Americans has diabetes or is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes
WHAT:
The American Diabetes Association’s (ADA)
American Diabetes Month brings to light the fastest growing health care
crisis of the 21st century: diabetes. Nearly 75 million Americans have
diabetes or are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
HOW:
Every week in November, the ADA will highlight the “Many Faces of Diabetes.”
- Week 1 – Caregivers: Supporting a loved one with diabetes can present its own unique challenges.
- Week 2 – Employees:
Promoting healthy lifestyles in the workplace can help to prevent type
2 diabetes and its complications, saving companies thousands of dollars
a year.
- Week 3 – Diabetes around the world:
Worldwide over 246 million people have diabetes. By 2020, that number
is expected to rise to 380 million. The ADA is a proud supporter of
World Diabetes Day (November 14) and the United Nations Resolution on
Diabetes. The Resolution invites supporters to fight the diabetes
epidemic through public awareness and the development of policies for
the prevention, treatment, and care of the disease.
- Week 4 – At-risk populations: One in two minorities born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime if current trends continue.
- Week 5 – Youth and Type 1 Diabetes: Youth diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have the most urgent need for care. The new ADA Planet D campaign will provide resources and networking to those youth and their families.
WHO:
The American Diabetes Association is the
leading non-profit health organization dedicated to preventing and
curing diabetes and to improving the lives of the nearly 21 million
children and adults currently living with the disease.
WHERE:
American Diabetes Month information can be found online at www.diabetes.org/adm. Diabetes fast facts, information sheets, public service announcements, and handouts are available.
WHY:
Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of
death by disease and currently has no cure. Greater awareness can
prevent development of type 2 diabetes and diabetes complications.
About the ADA
The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s premier voluntary
health organization supporting diabetes research, information and
advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region
of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities. The
Association’s commitment to research is reflected through its
scientific meetings; education and provider recognition programs; and
its Research Foundation and Nationwide Research Program, which fund
breakthrough studies looking into the cure, prevention, and treatment
of diabetes and its complications. For more information, visit diabetes.org or call 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383).
