Community programs are an effective way to get involved and make a difference in the fight against diabetes. With rising numbers of pre-diabetic and diabetic children and adults in the United States, a family member, friend, or neighbor might be suffering from this disease. You can make a difference. The American Diabetes Association is the foremost advocate for diabetes treatment and research with nearly 75 percent of the money they raise going towards awareness and research. Below are three examples of how they are working in your community and how you can get involved.

Taking Steps For Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association has a massive fundraising effort that is literally taking steps to raise money fro diabetes. Step Out: Walk To Fight Diabetes is the ADA's signature event raising $20 million last year to help find a cure for diabetes. Open to team and individuals, you can form your own team, join another, or simply do it yourself. Participants register and recruit friends, family, or coworkers to walk and raise money. There is no required fundraising minimum but rewards are given for varying levels of money raised. The walk is usually around 3 miles long, and it is all capped off with a party celebrating the fundraising achievements and efforts of the participants. Last year, over 100,000 walkers joined forces to step up and step out in the fight against diabetes at more the 150 Step Out events. For more information about Step Out events near you and how to get involved go to http://stepout.diabetes.org/site/PageServer?pagename=OUT_homepage or call 1-888-DIABETES.

Riding For Research

In 40 states nationwide, riders are taking to the road in a cycling event that raises millions of dollars to further the mission of the American Diabetes Association: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all those affected by diabetes. The Tour events are on route supported from start to finish with rest stops, food and fans just like the Tour De France. Riders raised over $16 million last year alone and 38,000 cyclists joined forces last year pedaling for further awareness and research. To find out how to regi ster  go to  title="http://tour.diabetes.org/site/PageServer?pagename=TC_homepage" href="http://tour.diabetes.org/site/PageServer?pagename=TC_homepage">http://tour.diabetes.org/site/PageServer?pagename=TC_homepage or call 1-888-DIABETES. 

Diabetes EXPO

For diabetes products, services and information there is no place as comprehensive and engaging as an American Diabetes EXPO. Under one roof you will have access to a variety of vendors who have everything you need to to treat and manage your diabetes and live a healthy and active life. Upcoming Events and locations are listed here and for more information visit http://www.diabetes.org/communityprograms-and-localevents/diabetesexpo.jsp or call 1-888-DIABETES. 


Portland, Oregon  Oregon Community Center February 2010