When: March 24, 2009
Where: Nationwide
Institute: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, and at least 57 million people age 20 or older have pre-diabetes.

Tuesday, March 24, is American Diabetes Alert Day®. This day is devoted to informing the public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when the disease is left undiagnosed or untreated.

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) will highlight American Diabetes Alert Day® by encouraging people to talk with a health care professional to find out if they are at risk for or have diabetes. During this time, NDEP will promote its “Small Steps. Big Rewards. Prevent Type 2 Diabetes” campaign. Research has shown that losing a modest amount of weight by getting 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week and eating healthier can help people with pre-diabetes delay or prevent the onset of the disease. The “Small Steps. Big Rewards. Prevent type 2 Diabetes” campaign, the first-ever national diabetes prevention campaign, spreads this important message of hope to the millions of Americans with pre-diabetes.

Next Steps
You can read or download education materials from the “Small Steps. Big Rewards. Prevent type 2 Diabetes” education campaign at www.ndep.nih.gov/campaigns/SmallSteps/SmallSteps_index.htm.

For more information on diabetes prevention and control, go to www.ndep.nih.gov.