The American Diabetes Association is urging Missourians to get out and walk… not only for their health, but to raise awareness about the growing epidemic of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Christine Schaeberle is founder of the Red Strider program. She was diagnosed with diabetes as a young adult.
Schaeberle says there are organized Step Out and Walk events in Kansas City on Sept. 22, Springfield on Oct. 6, and St. Louis on Oct. 13. However, smaller communities are also planning their own events. You can find out how to get an event in your area by visiting www.diabetes.org.
Schaeberle says 26 million Americans suffer from diabetes, and if current trends continue, one in three adults will be diabetic by the year 2050.
Schaeberle says the media focuses on genetics and lifestyle choices — such as alcohol, diet choices, exercise and obesity — but that none of those played a role in her diagnosis, and the truth is, no one knows for sure how the disease strikes or how to cure it.
AUDIO: Jessica Machetta reports (1:20)