November Is American Diabetes Month

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 29 Sep 2007 - 18:00 PST

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American Diabetes Association calls for greater awareness to the 75 million Americans who have diabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

What

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and around the world. One in four Americans has diabetes or is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Every week during American Diabetes Month this November, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) will highlight these "Many Faces of Diabetes."

- Caregivers (November 1-3) Supporting a loved one with diabetes can present its own unique challenges.

- Employees (November 4-10) Promoting healthy lifestyles in the workplace can help to prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, saving companies thousands of dollars a year.

- Diabetes around the world (November 11-17) Worldwide over 246 million people have diabetes. By 2020, that number is expected to rise to 350 million.

- At-risk populations (November 18-24) One in two minorities born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime if current trends continue.

- Youth and Type 1 Diabetes (November 25-30) 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.

In addition, the ADA will recognize the "Many Faces of Diabetes" worldwide on World Diabetes Day:

- World Diabetes Day - The ADA is a proud supporter of the United Nations (UN) Resolution on Diabetes, which was driven by the International Diabetes Federation. 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. The UN issued World Diabetes Day for November 14. Contact ADA to speak with an expert about the global diabetes epidemic, particularly as it relates to the growing prevalence in the U.S.

Who

ADA 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.

When

November 2007

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.

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.

American Diabetes Association