American Diabetes Association urges the over 60 million Americans who are unaware they have diabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes to take the Diabetes Risk Test.

WHAT: The American Diabetes Association will “sound the alert” about diabetes on the 20th Annual American Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 25, 2008. American Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day call to action to encourage those at risk for developing type 2 diabetes or those with loved ones at risk to take the Diabetes Risk Test and, if they score high, to schedule an appointment to see their healthcare provider.

WHO: The American Diabetes Association is the leading non-profit health organization dedicated to preventing and curing diabetes and to improving the lives of the nearly 21 million children and adults currently living with the disease.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 25, 2008

WHY: Diabetes is a devastating disease that affects nearly 21 million Americans. Of them, over 6 million American are unaware they have diabetes. An additional 54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, which puts them at greatest risk for developing type 2 diabetes. 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, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk, as are women who have had babies weighing more than nine pounds at birth. Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease and has no cure.

HOW: The Diabetes Risk Test is available in English and Spanish by calling the Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or online at http://www. diabetes.org/alert.

Source: American Diabetes Association (ADA)