The American Diabetes Association cordially invites all members of the media to a luncheon conference to discuss how you can play a major role in helping us STOP diabetes.

Thursday, March 18th

12:30-1:30 p.m.

 Architecture Works Community Conference Room 

 
On the occasion of National Diabetes Alert Day on March 23 and the upcoming Tour de Cure on April 25, the American Diabetes Association requests your presence to discuss the importance of diabetes education in Alabama. This event offers a rich program on basic diabetes education, upcoming events, programs and seminars.  Press kits with resource contact lists will be provided for attendees. We would be honored if you could join us!  By parterning with ADA, you can make a difference in the lives of the 23.6 million Americans affected by diabetes! 

Please confirm your attendance online or contact Annah Grace Morgan (205-870-5172 ext. 3071 or amorgan@diabetes.org) for more information.

 
Diabetes affects 23.6 million people in the United States, an increase of more than 3 million in approximately two years, according to 2007 prevalence data estimates released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means that nearly 8 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes. Alabama is unfortunately one of the hardest hit states in the country. According to current trends, 1 in every 10 Alabamians will develop diabetes in his or her lifetime.
 
In addition to the nearly 24 million with diabetes, another 57 million people are estimated to have pre-diabetes, a condition that puts people at increased risk for diabetes. Among people with diabetes, those who do not know they have the disease decreased from 30 percent to 25 percent over a two-year period, which shows the educational efforts of the American Diabetes Association and other organizations are working!  
 
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches or other food into energy needed for daily life.  Although the cause of diabetes is a mystery, both genetics and environmental factors appear to play roles.   It is the seventh leading cause of death in the country and can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations.