Know someone with diabetes, or have it yourself? You are not alone! 21 million Americans are currently suffering with this disease and more are being diagnosed every day! In order to keep pace with the growing number of Americans with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) invites communities nationwide to Step Out to Fight Diabetes in their brand new fund-raising walk this Fall. Registration is now open at diabetes.org/stepout.

Step Out to Fight Diabetes is a one-day walk in more than 200 cities this fall. With 21 million Americans living with diabetes, ADA created Step Out to Fight Diabetes as an aggressive attack against the disease—and a cry of hope for those affected by it.

Step Out to Fight Diabetes has a wide appeal and a fresh look,” said Darlene Cain, Chairman of the Board. “With so many Americans affected by diabetes, we want to reach out to them, educate them and bring a new generation of people into the ADA family. Working together is the only way we will find a cure for this disease.”

At a Step Out to Fight Diabetes event, routes range from two to six miles and are accessible to people of all ages and levels of mobility. Along the walk, participants are supported by volunteers offering water, snacks, entertainment and encouragement. The event draws a large contingency of individuals and teams, comprised of families, friends and corporations, all walking and raising money in support of ADA.

Diabetes is the fifth-deadliest disease in the United States. Since 1987 the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45 percent, while the death rates due to heart disease, stroke, and cancer have declined. Due to the fact that diabetes manifests itself in two types, Type 1 (results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body) and Type 2 (results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin, combined with relative insulin deficiency), the disease is often misunderstood by the public. Most American’s suffer from Type 2 diabetes.

For dates and times in your city, and to register to be part of the cure, visit diabetes.org/stepout or call 1-888-DIABETES. “Step Out to Fight Diabetes” offers an exciting event experience for volunteers, participants and all those who enjoy the feeling of being part of a community.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information, and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country providing services in more than 800 communities.