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With diabetes statistics reaching nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States and an additional 79 million Americans having prediabetes, the American Diabetes Association announced today its 2012 schedule for their free community health events throughout the country – the American Diabetes Association EXPO. By attending EXPO, people will become part of the movement to Stop Diabetes® and learn how to live healthy, be active and change the future of the disease.

Communities can take advantage of free health screenings, cooking demonstrations, product exhibits and presentations on diabetes prevention and management. EXPOs also include a Family Fun Zone with information and activities geared toward youth with diabetes and those who want to live a healthy lifestyle to prevent diabetes. 

"Diabetes affects all of our communities,” said Elizabeth R. Seaquist, MD, Member, Board of Directors, American Diabetes Association. “EXPO is one way the American Diabetes Association helps combat this disease on a community level, by providing free access to diabetes information, educational presentations and screenings for things like blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol.  The resources found at EXPO can help to Stop Diabetes in its tracks.”

People with diabetes can take steps to better manage the disease and lower the risk of its deadly complications. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is critical. Unfortunately, many people living with diabetes do not even know they have it.

The 2012 schedule for the American Diabetes Association EXPO is:
• Denver (March 10)
• Los Angeles (March 17)
• Chicago (April 14)
• San Antonio (April 14)
• Seattle (April 21)
• Springdale, Ark. (June 23)
• Minneapolis (Oct. 13)
• New York (Nov. 3)
• Pittsburgh (Nov. 10)

The American Diabetes Association’s EXPO began in 1995 in Phoenix, Arizona and has grown to 11 cities around the country. In 2011, EXPO provided free diabetes information and support to more than 60,000 individuals.

For more information about diabetes or to find an EXPO in your area, call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383), or visit diabetes.org/expo.