Diabetes Alert Day Events Scheduled March 21-23
Thursday, March 10, 2011
American Diabetes Association issues wake-up call for Alabamians at risk.
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Diabetes Alert DaySM is March 22 and the American Diabetes Association of Alabama has partnered with WVTM, Alabama’s 13 and HealthSpring to present three days of events:
- March 21, 5-7 p.m.: A panel of six health care professionals will take calls related to diabetes at WVTM, Alabama 13’s studios.
- March 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Diabetes Alert DaySM Health and Wellness Fair at the Riverchase Galleria. Free blood glucose testing, blood pressure and body mass index checks, foot and vision screenings, nutrition counseling and more.
- March 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: “Get in Gear to Stop Diabetes®” Tour de Cure kickoff and benefit at Tom Williams Porsche. Guests can enjoy refreshments, live entertainment, door prizes and silent auction with proceeds benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Admission is free.
- March 23, 2-6 p.m.: Whole Foods in Mountain Brook will present healthy cooking demonstrations; glucose and blood pressure testing by Alacare; foot screenings by Pedorthic Care; vision screenings; nutritional information; and information about the new Joslin Diabetes Center at Brookwood and UAB’s Periodontal Diabetes Dental Study.
Diabetes Alert DaySM is designed to encourage people to take the Diabetes Risk Test and find out if they are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test shows users whether they are at low, moderate or high risk for Type 2 diabetes. If an individual is at high risk, they are encouraged to talk with their health care provider.
Diabetes Alert DaySM also kicks off the American Diabetes Association’s Join the Million ChallengeSM which runs through April 22 in an effort to rally one million people to take the Diabetes Risk Test. The test is available in both English and Spanish at stopdiabetes.com or by calling 1-800-DIABETES.
Diabetes is a devastating disease that affects nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States. Seven million of those individuals are unaware they have diabetes. An additional 79 million have prediabetes, which puts them at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. More than 440,000 Alabamians have diabetes — the second highest rate of the disease in the country.
The American Diabetes Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.
