The American Diabetes Association

Working to Improve the Lives of Women with and at-risk for Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching hundreds of communities.

The mission of the organization is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. To fulfill this mission, the American Diabetes Association funds research, publishes scientific findings, provides information and other services to people with diabetes, their families, health care professionals and the public, and advocates for scientific research and for the rights of people with diabetes.

Today, about 23.6 million Americans, including 9.7 million women, have diabetes. Yet many don’t even know they have the disease. Diabetes can be especially hard on women; the burden of diabetes on women is unique, because the disease can affect both mothers and their unborn children. Diabetes can cause difficulties during pregnancy such as a miscarriage or a baby born with birth defects.

The Association has worked with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Coordinating Committee on Women’s Health to co-host the first national Women and Diabetes Town Hall meeting. This meeting highlighted the issue of diabetes across the life span of women. The focus of the discussion was on the unique impact diabetes has on women in terms of increased risk of heart disease (the leading killer of women), and other serious and deadly complications. Women with diabetes are also more likely to have a heart attack, and at a younger age, than other women without diabetes.

The aim of this meeting was to raise awareness of the unique impact that diabetes has on women and to educate policymakers and other influentials about this important topic. The meeting was a great success, well attended by members of Congress, their staffs, and representatives from many women’s organizations. It is the hope of the ADA that more will begin to think of diabetes as a women’s issue.The Communications Department has worked to launch a variety of campaigns and informational pieces geared specifically to women. These initiatives include: ‘Sisterhood is Healthy,’ ‘Take Time to Care’ series and ‘Make the Link!’ These are available in both English and Spanish.

It is the Association’s belief that the quality of treatment received by women with diabetes is directly dependent upon the education and expertise of her health care team. The American Diabetes Association provides professional education activities and courses that focus on the latest in basic and clinical research, including women’s health.

To receive information about women and diabetes, call the ADA Call Center at 1-800-DIABETES (342-2383). Or share thoughts and ideas about how to best address women’s health issues by contacting the Workgroup via e-mail at: askada@diabetes.org.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Tobias
Senior Executive Director, South Texas

Cycling Across the State

Join the Fight Against Diabetes

By Jennifer Houchins

As the American Diabetes Association prepares for its 9th year of hosting the Tour de Cure, hundreds of cyclists across the state are training and preparing to visit the Hill Country for some fun, camaraderie and to raise funds to fight diabetes. This year’s Tour de Cure, held on May 30 and 31, is sponsored by Valero and presented by KCI.

Over the years the Tour de Cure has seen tremendous growth and support. There were 1,300 registered riders last year that helped raise over $629,000 for Central and South Texas. Some cyclists have been involved since its inception, watching it grow and reach new heights each year. Riders travel great distances, including a rider all the way from Newhaven, UK! Riders commit each year for the love of cycling, the support they receive along the routes, the Saturday Night celebrations and the importance of raising money for diabetes.

Whether you are an avid cyclist, know a cyclist or would like to be a cyclist, you do not want to miss the largest ride dedicated to diabetes in the state of Texas. Enjoy a variety of routes, a fun and entertaining Saturday Night Celebration, dorm room accommodations (for two-day riders) great food and safety support. The Tour de Cure is sure to leave you marking your calendar for the ride next year.

A minimal registration fee of $25 will get you on your way to raising money for the ADA. You then must raise a minimum of $150 to ride in the Tour. You can register at the event, for $25 – but you are encouraged to sign up early to allow plenty of time for training and fund raising. The ADA makes it easy and fun to collect donations through the Tour de Cure Web site, (www.diabetes.org/tour) which allows you to customize your own Web page, send e-mails and thank you notes, register teammates, and set goals.

As a rider, you can choose to participate on day one, day two or any combination to design the ride/route that fits your level of experience. All registered riders will begin at Pearson (formerly known as Harcourt Assessment – 19500 Bulverde Road in San Antonio). Registration and breakfast will begin at 6:30 a.m. Day one offers a variety of route options, with the 50- and 80-mile options finishing at the Blanco Hall Dorm at Texas State University – San Marcos (701 Moore St., San Marcos). Longer routes will travel through the beautiful and scenic back roads of Selma, Schertz, Marion, McQueeney and New Braunfels. Day two will begin at 7:30 a.m., leaving the dorms and finishing at Akins High School (10701 South 1st Street in Austin). Day two routes include a 25-, 58- and 80-mile option.

Riders who chose the 14-mile route on day one will enjoy the Family Fun Ride! This year the Family Fun Ride includes two rest stops, a wonderful brunch (provided by Pearson and ARAMARK) and festivities at the finish line. This year riders will notice the theme of “Uniquely San Antonio” at the start line, complete with piñatas, mariachi bands and more! Along the route are well-stocked rest areas, to refresh and hydrate all the riders. This year riders will enjoy a variety of themed rest areas sure to make this the most memorable experience the Tour de Cure Riders have ever had. The 2009 Rest Stop Sponsors include Valero, San Antonio Wheelmen, KCI, Cool Cats Cycling Club and Frost Bank. Riders will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite rest stop. The winning rest stop will receive an award at the end of the Family Fun ride for the 14-mile loop and at the Saturday Night Celebration for the 50- and 80-mile routes.

Riders will also enjoy safe and well-monitored routes, including superior SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles donated from Documation, traffic control teams and excellent volunteer support. Special thanks to local bike shops Bicycle Heaven, Bike City, BikeWorld, Britton’s Bicycle Shop, Charles A. James Bicycle Company, Joe’s Pro Bikes, Planet Bike, Ride Away Bikes, Soler Tri Sports, Sun & Ski Sports, Tri- Sition, Gotta Ride Bikes and Performance Bicycle, for providing on-site mechanical support.

The riders in the Tour will definitely be able to keep up their strength, as the event committee has ensured a variety of foods throughout the weekend. Breakfast will be provided at the start line compliments of Mama Margie’s, where riders can also enjoy Starbucks coffee. Then as they finish their ride in San Marcos, they will be treated to sandwiches from Boar’s Head, Kiolbassa sausages and baked potatoes from Salt Grass Steakhouse, prepared by Gary Job Corps.

Once riders cross the finish line, there will be a variety of amenities, including a San Marcos information table, massage therapist along with rider goody bags courtesy of Mustang Engineering. Amenities don’t stop there. There will also be free shuttle service in San Marcos, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to take riders tubing on the river.

There will be plenty of food options for riders, volunteers and guests at the Saturday Night Celebration. A feast of BBQ, including lean brisket with all the trimmings and vegetarian pasta and salad is another option for the hungry cyclist.

Riders will have the opportunity to rekindle their college dorm experiences by staying at the Texas State University dorm, Blanco Hall, for a minimal fee. Riders will stay in air-conditioned dorm rooms on comfortable beds with private bathrooms! ADA will transport rider luggage, bedding and toiletries each day from the Start Line to the Finish Line. Please reserve your single or double occupancy dorm room as soon as possible by contacting the ADA office at (210) 829-1765.

As the riders wake up and prepare for day two, they will enjoy a great breakfast and again Starbucks to add some pep in their step. Lunch will be held at the finish line in Austin, and will feature fresh fruit, along with famous meat and vegetarian burritos courtesy of Free Birds.

So grab your cycling gear and register today for a great ride and a great cause. Please call (210) 829-1765 for more information.

Local Team Commits to National Participation

By Jennifer Houchins

Valero Energy Corporation’s official cycling team, Velo Valero, is no stranger to the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure. Since the very first ride in 2001, members have actively supported the cause through participation on the planning committee, a title sponsorship and the recruitment of new members and satellite teams within the company.

Another milestone in its support of the ADA is a commitment to rejoin the 2009 Tour de Cure National Team!

With this commitment, Velo Valero is paving the way for groundbreaking diabetes research, education in our community and schools and advocacy efforts for diabetics.

Organizing a team like Velo Valero is no small task. It takes many hours of planning and commitment. Heading up Valero’s San Antonio team this year is Andrea Shull, a senior analyst at Valero headquarters. She is also national team captain for Valero. “I’m proud to be part of such a great team and a wonderful company,” Andrea says.

Not only do employees from many Valero departments and offices across the country join in the cause, Velo Valero’s board of directors gives much personal time to the cycling team. “Without their efforts, none of this would be possible. They spend many hours organizing rides, setting up fund-raising events, assembling goody bags, plus so much more,” Andrea says.

One employee in particular inspires her to ride — Valero CEO Bill Klesse. Recently celebrating his 40th anniversary in the industry, Klesse is dedicated to the Tour and to Velo Valero despite his work demands. “Anyone who knows him is instantly inspired by his dedication to his family, the community and to Valero,” Andrea says.

Andrea began riding in April 2006. Like many others, she needed to find a low-impact sport that would be kinder to her knees and back. “I fell in love with it! And I love to fly downhill at 40 mph!” she says. Riding also gave Andrea the opportunity to change her life and lead a healthy lifestyle. With a 13-year-old son at home, she realized that her family history of poor health could affect her future. “If I’m going to be around to see him graduate from college, get married, and have children, I need to eat right and exercise,” Andrea says. She also knows the devastating damage diabetes can do to a person, after losing her grandfather to the disease.

Andrea leads a family-friendly ride during the week and encourages new riders to stay with it. Her focus is to ensure the continued success of her team and to support the community by participating in events like the Tour de Cure and fund raising so that organizations like the American Diabetes Association can continue to fund diabetes research in hopes of finding a cure.

She’ll continue to inspire others to ride by sharing her ‘anyone can ride’ attitude. “You don’t have to be young, thin or fast to ride. You need to remember only one thing — have fun,” Andrea says. She enjoys talking to riders along the way and doesn’t worry if the faster riders move on. “It’s not a race to the finish line,” Andrea says. “It’s the journey and the people that you meet along the way that make every ride an adventure”.

Local Company, Volunteers and Organization Have Common Mission

By Jennifer Houchins

San Antonio Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI) has been a partner to the American Diabetes Association for over nine years. Their in-depth knowledge of diabetes and the effects it can have on a patient is evident in their research and commitment to the ADA and their mission to find a cure.

Their partnership began with dedicated KCI executives, who wanted to make a difference. They became involved with the ADA as members of their Leadership Council. Past council members from KCI include Chris Fashek (retired) and John Farugia, regional vice president of sales. Bill Mason, associate general counsel – intellectual property, is currently serving on the local ADA Leadership Council. Although John no longer serves on the Council, he is still very active with the organization and shares a passion for fund raising, especially for the Tour de Cure.

It was a little over nine years ago when John had a vision to plan a charity ride because of his passion for cycling. With the support of ADA executive director Elizabeth Tobias, they began the planning of the first Tour de Cure in San Antonio. The ADA had been conducting rides in various locations across the country, but there had not been an organized fund-raiser in the state of Texas dedicated to raising money for diabetes.

John stepped up to the challenge and became the event chair. A planning committee and staff of the ADA raised approximately $70,000 in its first year. Over the years it has grown significantly and reached beyond $500,000 last year.

President and CEO, Catherine (Cathy) Burzik, saw a great opportunity to raise awareness and have KCI get even more involved with the local ADA. It was her leadership that brought KCI to a new donor level for the Tour de Cure. “It is well known that over 23 million Americans have diabetes. A disabling complication with this disease is foot ulcer development, which leads to non-healing chronic wounds that are difficult to treat.” After talking to patients, nurses and doctors, KCI developed and recently launched a new dressing, the V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge dressing, to use with an off-loading boot, the current standard of care. KCI this year is the presenting sponsor for the ADA as it focuses on this area of patient care. The money that is raised by the local ADA chapter comes back to San Antonio because of our city’s extremely high diabetes population, so in essence we have the opportunity to both raise overall awareness and support the community’s needs, comments Burzik.

Once again, KCI has gathered a team of employees, spouses and friends to ride on the 2009 KCI team, The KCI Express. Currently 31 riders are registered for the KCI team, and it is still growing. Their goal is to recruit 50 riders, and raise a minimum of $150 per rider. Almost half of the registered riders on the KCI team this year are women. The team captains are John Farugia and James Allen. James has scheduled practice rides every weekend until the actual race. These practice rides give employees a chance to get into better shape and also to build new friendships among their co-workers and friends.

KCI’s support doesn’t stop there. They have an internal Volunteer Council that is organizing and providing employee volunteers to help at the Tour de Cure. KCI will also be hosting a rest stop in New Braunfels/San Marcos. Approximately 20 additional KCI employees will be volunteering their time at the event. Not only is KCI concerned about the high rate of diabetes in the San Antonio area, and across the country, it supports its own employees living with this disease, like Bill Mason.

Bill has suffered from diabetes for the past 11 years. “Diabetes impacts every minute of every day for type 1 diabetics like me. There is no vacation from diabetes,” comments Bill. Through his own experience and working for KCI, a partnership with the American Diabetes Association was a perfect match for Bill. It gave him an opportunity to deal with his own personal and professional issues and to educate and promote services to those who may be in need of KCI products. It’s his own experiences with diabetes that allow him to be an advocate for the ADA. “Seeing the complications and understanding what happens when it takes over keeps me on my toes. If the diabetic conditions are ever beyond my control, it’s nice to be a part of a company that makes products to help heal,” adds Bill.

KCI employees Ken Watson and James Allen understand the risks, dangers and complications associated with diabetes. Ken’s aunt and cousin are living with type 2 diabetes. “Their pain and suffering have been ongoing for a few years. My cousin had to take early retirement from his job because of his illness,” said Ken. These relatives are his inspiration for participating in the Tour de Cure.

James is riding in the Tour de Cure in honor of his cousin, who lost his battle to diabetes this past January. His other inspiration is his wife, who has type 1. As the KCI team prepares for another safe and successful ride, John Farugia is not only a part of the team as a rider, he's a part of a company that is dedicated to changing the lives of those living with diabetes. For more information on KCI, please visit www.kci1.com; or to get involved with the Tour de Cure please call (210) 829-1765.

Cycling Stories

By Jennifer Houchins

CYCLIST CONTINUES HIS SUPPORT DESPITE ACCIDENT

Cycling is a fun and healthy activity that almost everyone can participate in. Despite the best training and endurance, accidents can happen. On October 26 of last year, Robert Brill, a 10-year veteran of road and mountain biking, became the victim of a serious road bike accident.

Robert sustained multiple injuries, including a broken hip, leaving him in the hospital for four days. His injuries for the most part have mended, and Robert is now starting to ride again, including participating in this year’s Tour de Cure. “If everything goes as planned, I will be participating in this year’s ride. If my injury does not permit, I will be there to offer all my fellow cyclists any help that I can,” states Robert. Being in the outdoor retail industry for 12 years, Robert has a passion for the sport. After being involved from the support side, he would prefer this year to ride and raise money for the cause. This is the second year Robert will be involved with the Tour. He previously supported the riders as a mechanic on day one.

Robert first began supporting the ADA through his work, Performance Bicycle. The company will be donating time and product in efforts to help participants have fun, be safe and build friendships though riding bikes. The store offers free instruction on how to maintain a bike, and does free safety inspections for the ride. Along with support stations on the weekend of the Tour, Performance Bicycle has also donated two road bikes that will be awarded to top fund-raisers for the event. Performance Bicycle is a national sponsor for the Tour de Cure — supporting riders across the country.

Robert’s connection and inspiration to ride is his late grandfather, Lee Brill. “My grandfather was a great friend, husband to my grandmother for over 50 years and a great storyteller. I will ride in remembrance of him as well as to support several friends who are diabetic,” reflects Robert.

Cycling Stories

By Jennifer Houchins

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS

Every day people struggle to stay in shape and live healthy lives, to begin that fitness regimen they have put off week after week. And despite the best of intentions, individuals find themselves on a roller coaster ride of the ups and downs of staying fit and disciplined.

Elizabeth Reed, now a personal trainer and fitness expert with Gold's Gym, knows exactly what it’s like to be on that ride. She grew up in a small Midwestern town as the youngest of four. She called herself the “ugly duckling” because of the way she saw herself. Despite the fact she was very slim and athletic, she was struggling with an eating disorder. Self-image is a huge issue among teenage girls, and Elizabeth was no exception. She never realized her struggle to stay thin was actually causing her to have low muscle density with higher body-fat percentage.

After moving to the West Coast to attend college, Elizabeth stopped being active. “I have heard about the Freshman 15, but mine was more like the Freshman 60!” she reflects. She found herself right back in a body that did not make her happy, and after a few years, she knew it was time for a change.

She ditched the ‘bad news’ crowd she surrounded herself with and turned around her life. “My confidence level and self-esteem quickly improved,” adds Elizabeth. It was then, almost 16 years ago, she claims she caught the ‘fitness bug.’ Cycling, swimming, running and rollerblading are just a few of the activities that Elizabeth got involved in to stay fit and healthy.

Unfortunately, in 2000, her father was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and her mother was told she had type 2 diabetes.

She knew the importance of staying with her fitness career. “I began my journey to serve others who didn’t understand how to help themselves when it came to being healthy and living a better quality of life,” explains Elizabeth. She soon was a certified personal trainer and was becoming the leader she was meant to be and fulfilling her dream.

But fate caused a bump in her road yet again. She sustained a knee injury while preparing to go to her Krav Maga Level 4 Instructor training (2004). After having an MRI, it was necessary for her to undergo ACL reconstruction surgery. “I felt like all that I had worked for was lost,” said Elizabeth. Her recovery time would be six months to a year. Depression overcame her, and she began to spiral down a road all too familiar. She quickly gained weight, and her low self-esteem surfaced. “I was stuck in a vicious cycle of gaining and losing weight. It wasn’t intentional, but more circumstantial, and I didn’t realize it,” admits Elizabeth.

Yet deep down in her was the fitness fanatic. Instead of letting the situation get worse, she took control and purchased a road bike.

In February of 2007, she transferred to a brand new Gold’s Gym in San Antonio. She became more diligent in her workout schedule and cycling. Since Gold’s Gym was actively involved in the American Diabetes Associations’ Tour de Cure (May 2007), she decided to join in the fight; after all she enjoyed helping others.

That year, Elizabeth raised money and rode in honor of her mother and grandmother. “They were my strength!” she recalls. By November she had lost a significant amount of weight. “The hard work I have put into my own program has enabled me to recover my self-confidence and become the strong woman I forgot I was. I chose to take a higher route this time; instead of falling down into a vicious cycle of weight gain and loss of self-esteem, I turned it around and stayed on track,” explains Elizabeth.

Elizabeth kept up her training and cycling and decided to continue to support the ADA’s Tour the following year, but not without another obstacle. Elizabeth lost her father to a massive heart attack just one month before her ride. “Though it was difficult, I stayed true to the commitments I had made. My mother was once again my inspiration; but this time, my father was my strength and I rode 138 miles, ” she says.

Her team, Team Bandera Trails, raised more than $4,000 in donations that year. She has committed herself again this year to support the Tour.

Despite one’s best efforts, life’s little hurdles sometimes can’t be avoided. Elizabeth is the perfect example of overcoming what can sometimes seem like the impossible. “My goal in life is to make a difference in the lives of others around me, to educate others through my own story, and to be an inspiration for others to go the distance on whatever fitness goal they choose for themselves,” she says.

The spirit of giving and helping others will shine in Elizabeth as she continues to set high standards for herself, lead others to feel good about themselves and raise money for the American Diabetes Association. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of making a difference and support the ADA with the hope that others my have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives! Sky’s the limit, see you at the finish line!”

Cycling Stories

By Jennifer Houchins

ONE RIDER INSPIRES OTHERS TO TEAM UP

Katie Holtzclaw began her ride for diabetes six years ago. Her inspiration to support the ADA’s Tour de Cure came in 2001 with the loss of her grandmother to the disease and the news of her sister being diagnosed.

Katie began as a ‘lone rider’ but soon took her passion and story to others. “I’m blessed with the gift of exhortation. I encourage people to ride by telling them why I ride and rally them to get out on their bikes,” she says.

Her team has grown to 14 riders, and she continues to actively recruit others to join in the fight against diabetes. Her employer, Argo Group in San Antonio, is a gold sponsor for this year’s Tour de Cure.

Her drive to learn more about diabetes and raise money to find a cure hit home once again after her parents were diagnosed in 2006. “They and the other people I know with this terrible disease continue to inspire me to ride,” adds Katie.

Training for the Tour de Cure can be a tough task. But even on those days, Katie thinks about her grandmother and others with this debilitating disease. Like so many who have lost a loved one to diabetes, riders gain their strength to set out to reach their goals and become a inspiration for others. “By being involved in the Tour de Cure and inspiring others to ride, I’m getting the word out about diabetes, raising funds to find a cure for it, meeting and hopefully inspiring others to do the same,” concluded Katie.

Cycling Stories

By Jennifer Houchins

MOTHER INSPIRES DAUGHTERS TO RIDE FOR THEIR LIFE

Young girls always see their mothers as the ‘rock’ of the family. But mothers are only human, and they too can get bumps and bruises.

Valerie Aldana, along with her two sisters, is no exception to this belief. But when Valerie turned 8 years old, she quickly learned that mom had a disease — diabetes; too complicated for a little girl to even comprehend.

As with so many others in that same situation, the lack of education and information on diabetes led to her mother’s improper care and diet. Valerie and her sisters watched as her health worsened over the years. Their mom was their rock and taught them to be the strong-minded women they are today, but in October of last year, she lost her battle. She died of renal disease, a very serious complication of diabetes.

Shortly after the loss of her mother, Valerie’s sister, Amanda, was surfing the web and landed on the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure site. She was drawn in by the information she found and felt this was something she wanted and needed to do in honor of her mother. It only took a brief explanation to Valerie, and she too was in it for the long haul.

Together they set out and purchased bikes and gear needed for the ride. They began training in January and quickly learned it was not only a great way to honor their mother, but it was their opportunity to begin a healthier lifestyle. “We are loving the ride and realizing what we need to do to change our future and avoid getting this awful disease that caused all of our mother’s health problems,” says Valerie.

The passion to ride has now spread beyond the sisters. Amanda’s husband and children ride as much as they can as a family. They want to show their children the importance of having a healthy and active life. “My son just turned 3, but I know that I will encourage him to be very active, and I’m sure he will be on two wheels soon, right by my side,” commented Valerie.

As these two women prepare for the ride of their life, it will certainly be a bittersweet moment when they cross the finish line. “It may have started out as a sad beginning, but it will have a happy ending because we know our mother will be watching over us in this, our first journey into a new future,” concluded Valerie.

Get Involved!

The San Antonio Chapter of the American Diabetes Association conducts year-round community programs as well as signature fund-raising events. The ADA events not only highlight participants actively supporting the mission, but many corporate partners join in the fight to raise awareness and dollars for research. Events featured in the San Antonio Area include:

SCHOOL WALK FOR DIABETES

Teaches youth the importance of physical activity and healthy eating while building school spirit and morale. School children raise funds and receive prizes according to their contributions. Schools can receive physical education equipment and/or nursing supplies by hosting a school walk event. Events can be held anytime during the school year and can be conducted during the school day, after school or on Saturdays.

STEP OUT: WALK TO FIGHT DIABETES

Saturday, November 7, 2009, at Brackenridge Park, San Antonio. A non-competitive 5K walk/run and a 1-mile Short and Snappy Route; including a Family Fun area with games, food and more! Registration at 8 a.m.; start time is 9 a.m. Register online at www.diabetes.org/stepout.

WINNING AT WORK

This ADA program provides the resources your employees need to live healthier lives — whether they are working to prevent or to manage their diabetes. Increase diabetes awareness in your workplace with the new Message in a Box Diabetes Awareness Kit including posters, table tents and diabetes risk tests. These materials are ideal for employee cafeterias, break rooms, fitness centers and other workplace locations. Implement diabetes detection, prevention and management activities in your workplace. The comprehensive Winning at Work Guide includes resources to implement a multi-pronged workplace program.

PROJECT POWER AND POR TU FAMILIA DIABETES EDUCATION CLASSES

A grassroots African-American and Latino initiative that provides year-round educational programs to create healthy families through food plans, exercise/activity program tips and diabetes awareness. In partnership with the Davis-Scott YMCA, diabetes education classes, free blood glucose, blood pressure and BMI screenings. Call 210-829-1765, ext. 6128 to register. Pre-registration is required.

DIABETES EXPO

June 20, 2009—Alamodome 9 AM – 2 PM. Open and FREE to the public: A healthy eating, active living interactive event that includes an extensive exhibit area, speaker sessions, health assessments, senior and children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and access to health care resources. FREE parking at the Alamodome! FREE bus rides to the EXPO from anywhere VIA travels.

Visit www.diabetes.org/expo to learn more! Call 1-888-Diabetes today! You can make a difference! www.diabetes.org

Are You at Risk for Diabetes?

You could have diabetes and not even know... take the test.

There are 23.6 million Americans with diabetes – and nearly one-third of them (or 6.2 million people) don’t know it! Take this test to see if you are at risk for having diabetes. Diabetes is more common in African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. If you are a member of one of these ethnic groups, you need to pay special attention to this test.

To find out if you are at risk, circle the points next to each statement that is true for you. If a statement is not true, circle zero. Then add all the points to get your total score.

	YES	NO
My weight is equal to or above that listed in the chart below.	5 pts	0 pts
I am under 65 years of age and I get little or no exercise during a usual day.	5 pts	0 pts
I am between 45 and 64 years of age.	5 pts	0 pts
I am 65 years old or older.	9 pts	0 pts
I am a woman who has had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth.	1 pts	0 pts
I have a sister or brother with diabetes.	1 pts	0 pts
I have a parent with diabetes.	1 pts	0 pts
Total Points:

Scoring 3-9 points

You are probably at low risk for having diabetes now. But don’t just forget about it – especially if you are Hispanic/Latino, African-American, American Indian, Asian-American, or Pacific Islander. You may be at higher risk in the future.

Scoring 10 or more points

You are at greater risk for having diabetes. Only your health care provider can determine if you have diabetes. At your next office visit, find out for sure.

At-Risk Weight Chart Body Mass Index Height in feet and inches without shoes, Weight in pounds without clothing
4'10"	129
4'11"	133
5'0"	138
5'1"	143
5'2"	147
5'3"	152
5'4"	157
5'5"	162
5'6"	167
5'7"	172
5'8"	177
5'9"	182
5'10"	188
5'11"	193
6'0"	199
6'1"	204
6'2"	210
6'3"	216
6'4"	221

If you weigh the same or more than the amount listed for your height, you may be at risk for diabetes.