Sound the Alert!!! - March 25 is the 20th Annual American Diabetes Alert® Day

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Related Links: All Press Releases Become and Advocate Diabetes Care Contact: Angela Russo 703-549-1500, ext. 3425 arusso@diabetes.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Diabetes Association urges the over 60 million Americans who are unaware they have diabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes to take the Diabetes Risk Test

WHAT:  The American Diabetes Association will “sound the alert” about diabetes on the 20th Annual American Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 25, 2008.  American Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day call to action to encourage those at risk for developing type 2 diabetes or those with loved ones at risk to take the Diabetes Risk Test and, if they score high, to schedule an appointment to see their healthcare provider. 

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.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 25, 2008

WHY:    Diabetes is a devastating disease that affects nearly 21 million Americans.  Of them, over 6 million American are unaware they have diabetes.  An additional 54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, which puts them at greatest risk for developing type 2 diabetes.  Among the primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes are being overweight, sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a family history of diabetes.  African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk, as are women who have had babies weighing more than nine pounds at birth.  Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease and has no cure.

HOW:   The Diabetes Risk Test is available in English and Spanish by calling the Association at 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or online at www.diabetes.org/alert.  

 

Note to Editor: For more information, contact Angela Russo at 800-676-4065, ext. 3425 or arusso@diabetes.org.  Visit online at www.diabetes.org for information in English and Spanish.

 

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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).