WHAT: On Tuesday, March 24th, 2009, the Association will observe the 21st Annual American Diabetes Alert Day – a one-day call to action encouraging all Americans to take the Diabetes Risk Test and find out if they are in danger of developing type 2 diabetes.

WHO: The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by the disease. 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.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, 2009

WHY: Diabetes is a silent killer that slowly takes away people’s health, their money, their time, and their dreams. It’s a silent killer because people can have diabetes for years and not even know it. Diabetes affects so many of your readers – nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, and another 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes, where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to warrant an official diagnosis.

One in five Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes or may have the disease and not even know it. If left untreated, it can lead to deadly complications including heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, stroke and amputation, which is why it’s so important to make them aware of their own risk.

HOW: To let your readers know about The Diabetes Risk Test and American Diabetes Alert Day. Interviews with an American Diabetes Association spokesperson are available upon request.

The Diabetes Risk Test is free and is available in English and Spanish by calling the Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383)

Source: American Diabetes Association (ADA)