This month, the American Diabetes Association is launching an educational campaign, "Stop Diabetes," to persuade more Americans to understand and take action to prevent and treat the disease. The Association is spreading its message to families, volunteers, businesses, the scientific and medical communities, and the general public, notes American Diabetes Association Chair of the Board George J. Huntley.
"The goal is to motivate one million new people to take action to stop diabetes in the next 12 months," he says, "and to grow that number to three million people in three years. This will take steadfast courage, unflinching commitment, and patience."
Diabetes has reached crisis proportions. It affects all Americans, either directly or indirectly. The Association is to recruit people from all walks of life to:
- Learn more about diabetes
- Raise awareness among their families, friends, and communities
- Promote more diabetes research
- Volunteer to help spread the message of good health
"The Stop Diabetes movement is saying that we can no longer dismiss or ignore this disease," says Huntley. "It is time to do whatever it takes to confront and stop it."
To find out more about Stop Diabetes, visit stopdiabetes.com or call the American Diabetes Association's toll-free number, 1-800-DIABETES.
Tips for Seniors at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
Lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss—such as making healthy food choices and getting more exercise—are effective in helping to reduce the development of diabetes. These lifestyle changes are especially effective in people aged 60 and older, who can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 50 percent over 10 years
—NIDDK