Diabetes Awareness Month 2007 is a very well organized event. I probably should have started with this information on my blog because there were different topics for each week. But I’ll post the info here in the hopes that someone will learn from it even if I’m late in doing so.

The American Diabetes Association has a very thorough website just for this event. They offer materials for free that can be used by individuals or groups to use to share the news about Diabetes. There’s posters, flyers, PSA announcements, and a Media Kit.

Week 1 focused on Caregivers:

- People who have a loved one newly diagnosed with Diabetes face many new issues. They also try to educate themselves in order to help their family member or friend.

- Parents whose child has been newly diagnosed are often overwhelmed.

Week 2 focused on Employees:

- Since people with Diabetes spend most of their time at work (if working full time) it is financially worthwhile for companies to be educated about Diabetes and how to prevent and/or not cause complications.

Week 3 is focusing on Diabetes Around The World:

- “Worldwide over 246 million people have diabetes. By 2020, that number is expected to rise to 380 million” (from American Diabetes Association)

- November 14th is World Diabetes Day.

Week 4 is focusing on At-Risk Populations:

Compared to the general population, African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes. For example, one in four African American women over 55 years of age has diabetes.

Approximately 2.5 million Hispanic/Latino Americans over the age of 20 have diabetes and are at increased risk for serious complications such as kidney disease, blindness, and amputations.

At 17%, American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with diabetes are at high risk for heart disease.

Week 5 will focus on Youth and Type 1 Diabetes:

- Providing information for children, parents, teachers, doctors and the public.

You can donate, volunteer and get more detailed information about Diabetes by visiting the ADA.

The information from this post came from the ADA which is a sponsor of American Diabetes Awareness.