What Will You Do to Stop DiabetesSM? Know Your Risk.

Diabetes has become the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century. To address the burden of this

disease, the American Diabetes Association is asking the American public – “What will you do to Stop Diabetes?

Know your risk.” On the 22nd annual American Diabetes Association Alert DaySM, March 23, 2010, the Association will

encourage people to join the Stop Diabetes movement by taking the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk

for developing type 2 diabetes and if they are at high risk, to speak with their health care provider.

The Diabetes Risk Test requires users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other

potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test will show users whether they are at low, moderate or

high risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes. If they are at high risk, they are encouraged to talk with their health care

provider.

Diabetes by the Numbers

Of the approximately 24 million Americans living with diabetes, nearly 6 million Americans have type 2 diabetes but

don’t even know it. Another 57 million, or one in five Americans have pre-diabetes, placing them at increased risk for

developing type 2 diabetes. If current trends continue, one out of three children born today will face a future with

diabetes.

Are You at Risk?

Among the primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes are being overweight, sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a

family history of diabetes. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific

Islanders are at an increased risk, as are women who have had babies weighing more than nine pounds at birth.

Unfortunately, people with type 2 diabetes can live for years without realizing that they have the disease. While people

with diabetes can exhibit noticeable symptoms, such as frequent urination, blurred vision and excessive thirst, most

people diagnosed with type

2 diabetes do not show these overt warning signs at the time that they develop the

disease. Often, type 2 diabetes only becomes evident when people develop one or more of its serious complications,

such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye damage, or nerve damage that can lead to amputations.

Take Charge of Your Health

Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing just 5-7% of body weight through

regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating. Armed with this information, gather

your friends, family, loved one and/or co-workers and take a 30 minute walk and get started with a healthier lifestyle

today!

Join the movement to Stop Diabetes and get your free Diabetes Risk Test (English or Spanish), healthy lifestyle tips

and more. Call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit stopdiabetes.com. Although Diabetes Alert Day is a oneday

event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available all year long.

Lions Research Update | May 22, 2010

Hosted by:  Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation, Inc. and

the University of Minnesota Schulze Diabetes Institute

23.6 million people in the United States are living with diabetes.

More than 333,000 people in Minnesota have diabetes and that number is on the rise.

You and a guest are invited to hear about exciting developments in diabetes cure research from world-renowned scientists at the University of Minnesota.

When:

Saturday, May 22, 2010

8:30 – 9 a.m………………Continental Breakfast

9 a.m. – 12 p.m…………Program

Where:

Mayo Auditorium, University of Minnesota

         425 Delaware St SE

          Minneapolis, MN 55455

Program Highlights: 

1. •David Thoen will share his experience as an islet cell transplant patient
   

and describe how being cured of diabetes has changed his life

1. •Dr. Betsy Seaquist will provide an overview of the depth and breadth
   

of the University’s research in diabetes

1. •Dr. Bernhard Hering will discuss the world-leading diabetes cure research
   

he leads in the Schulze Diabetes Institute

1. •Tom Spizzo will provide an update on the pigs at Spring Point Project
   

1. •Dr. Meri Firpo will tell you how skin cells will be used to cure diabetes
   

RSVP by May 14:

Please contact Valerie Petermann at v.petermann@mmf.umn.edu with your name, address and the name of your guest.