The American Diabetes Association launches a bold new attack against the growing threat of diabetes...Step Out to Fight Diabetes opens for registration in 200 cities nationwide

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 9, 2007 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In order to keep pace with the growing number of Americans with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) invites communities nationwide to Step Out to Fight Diabetes in their brand new fund-raising walk.

Formerly known as America's Walk for Diabetes, Step Out to Fight Diabetes is a one-day walk event taking place in more than 200 cities this fall. Nearly 21 million children and adults have diabetes, but only two-thirds have been diagnosed. With another 54 million having pre-diabetes, ADA created Step Out to Fight Diabetes as an aggressive attack against the disease -- and a cry of hope for those affected by it.

   

"Step Out to Fight Diabetes has a wide appeal and a fresh look," said Darlene Cain, Chair of the Board, American Diabetes Association. "With so many Americans affected by diabetes, we want to reach out to them, educate them and bring a new generation of people into the ADA family. Working together is the only way we will find a cure for this disease."

   

At a Step Out to Fight Diabetes event, routes range from two to six miles and are accessible to people of all ages and levels of mobility.

 

Along the walk, participants are supported by volunteers offering water, snacks, entertainment and encouragement. The event draws a large contingency of individuals and teams, comprised of families, friends and corporations, all walking and raising money in support of ADA.

   

One family is taking an extraordinary training and fund-raising adventure in support of Step Out to Fight Diabetes and the American Diabetes Association. On January 27, Byron Moats and his wife, Julia, residents of Napa, Calif., began the journey of a lifetime. They started walking across the country from San Diego, Calif., heading for their final destination of Savannah, Ga. They are accompanied by Byron's brother, Wyatt, and sister-in- law, Margie, residents of Providence Village, Texas.

 

Julia, who has foot problems, will be driving the couple's motor home to provide necessary facilities along the way.

   

The goal of their adventure is to raise $10,000 for the American Diabetes Association and to increase awareness of the importance of exercise for those who are at risk for diabetes and those who are living with the disease.

   

Byron, who will turn 65 on the journey and has type 2 diabetes, decided to start walking after his doctor told him that he needed to switch from oral medication to insulin to better control his diabetes.

"I was consistently over 200 when I checked my glucose level, and now I'm under 100. I've never felt better," said Byron Moats. The family's journey will total 2,850 miles once it is complete. Interested supporters can visit their Web site at http://www.C2C4ADA.com for more information on how to

donate and for updates on the family's progress.

   

"If walking across country sounds extreme, it is. This family is truly unique. But the motivation and passion of those that are affected by diabetes is extreme as well. No matter how many miles you walk, your support in the Step Out to Fight Diabetes campaign will make a difference," said Darlene Cain of the ADA.

   

Bryon and his family will conclude their cross-country walk by participating in the Step Out to Fight Diabetes event in Walnut Creek, Calif. in October.

   

To be a part of the cure, register today at diabetes.org/stepout or all 1-888-DIABETES. National sponsors of the event include Cary's Sugar Free Syrup, Diet Rite, Equal and Kmart Pharmacy. All funds raised from Step Out to Fight Diabetes are used in support of the Association's mission: to

prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

   

Diabetes is the fifth-deadliest disease in the United States. Since 1987 the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45 percent, while the death rates due to heart disease, stroke, and cancer have declined. Due to the fact that diabetes manifests itself in two more common types, type 1

and type 2, the disease is often misunderstood by the public.

 

Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information, and advocacy.

 

With an overall mission of preventing and curing diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities. For more information, please visit http://www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).

 

Information is available in English and Spanish.