The American Diabetes Association will be running a charity ride in DC this fall.
With nearly 26 million people living with diabetes in the U.S. and another 79 million at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, the disease is taking a toll on the country. The American Diabetes Association (the Association) is acting on both the local and national level to stop diabetes.
On Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 25, we can help change the future of diabetes. To build awareness, the Association is asking Americans to take Diabetes Risk Test. The test helps individuals assess their risk for diabetes based on several simple questions.
On a local level, the Association is holding its annual signature cycling event to support diabetes research. The Tour de Cure will be in Reston, VA, on June 1 and in Washington, DC. on September 27. These will be two of the 90 Tour de Cure events in 44 states around the country. Also, 80 cents of every dollar raised will support the Association’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of people affected by the disease.
To support the Association's mission, a special group of riders embodies the spirit of the Tour de Cure. Red Riders are individuals living with diabetes who raise awareness and funds to help find a cure for diabetes. Representing people with pre-diabetes and gestational diabetes, Red Riders know what it means to have diabetes and want others to understand the disease’s deadly consequences.
“If you are a person surviving diabetes, I implore you to ride this year,” says Mari Ruddy, founder of the Red Rider program. “I ask you to get on your bike and ride strong. Riding in a Tour de Cure is the affirmation of your courage and perseverance.”
The Red Riders are an especially important driving - or cycling - force as Diabetes Alert Day draws near. This March 25, join the Red Riders and the Association as they help spread the word and encourage others to take the brief Diabetes Risk Test to determine their individual risk of getting the disease.
Do you have diabetes yourself? Interested in becoming a Red Rider? All you need to do is contact your local Tour de Cure staff member to tell them you want to be recognized as a Red Rider on the day of the event. Red Riders receive a free Red Rider bike jersey to wear proudly on ride day. Remember, riding your bike is a great way to stay in shape and exercise is extremely important for everyone with diabetes.
Interested riders can register and donate at diabetes.org/capital. Whether engaging in Diabetes Alert Day or registering to ride, together we can change the future of diabetes.
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