America Gets Moving To Stop Diabetes

This year, thousands of people in communities across the country will Join the Millions in the fight to Stop Diabetes® by participating in the American Diabetes Association’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes®, one of the Association’s premier fundraising events. Over the course of the next few months, 108 walks are scheduled to take place, raising funds that are critical to change the future of the disease. Last year, more than 110,000 walkers raised nearly $24 million to support the Association’s mission.

Walking is one of the best methods of exercise and helps control blood glucose levels and improves overall quality of life. Step Out is a walk that allows everyone to participate regardless of mobility or fitness level. With route options ranging from one to six miles, participants can walk as an individual or create a team and walk with friends, family and co-workers.  There are all different types and sizes of teams at the Step Out events.  Corporate teams, family teams, school teams, as well as clubs and organizations, are all welcome to participate. 

As part of Step Out, the Association is also looking for Red Striders to join in the events.  A Red Strider is a person living with diabetes who participates in Step Out and puts a face on this serious disease by helping others understand what it takes to live with – and fight – diabetes.

“Step Out is a great event where communities across the country join together in a fun environment to help Stop Diabetes®, and every step and every dollar is bringing us closer to ending the disease,” said Mitch Lenett, a volunteer for the American Diabetes Association who is also a Red Strider.  “As a person who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 45 years, and a father to my daughter Carly, who is also living with the disease, walking side by side with other Red Striders is a powerful experience and we enjoy meeting new friends along the way.”

Today, there are nearly 30 million Americans who are currently living with diabetes. While an estimated 21 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 8.1 million people are unaware that they have the disease.  If current trends continue, one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050.

Thanks to our national sponsors of Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes including Novo Nordisk®, Cary’s® Sugar Free Syrup, Equal® 0 Calorie Sweetener, PureVia® All Natural Zero Calorie Sweetener, Walgreens and Nutrisystem® D®.

To register, volunteer or find out more information, please visit diabetes.org/stepout or call 1-888-DIABETES. Together we can Stop Diabetes. One step at a time.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The 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. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.