Diabetes Awareness Month kicked off today as events across the nation were held to raise awareness of diabetes and the prevention of it.

For example, one of the largest diabetes awareness walks in the nation was held today in Philidelphia.

It was a cold and rainy day, but that didn’t stop the thousands of brave supporters who came out to walk a mile and try and help raise diabetes awareness. Those participating and watching were able to get valuable diabetes information and were also treated to a free concert when the diabetes awareness walk was over.

“I’m so proud of the people that showed up today, despite the bad weather,” said one of the walkers.

“It feels wonderful to be so supported by such a wonderful community.”

Ann Meredith, the executive director of the American Diabetes Association, said, “Today, Philadelphia is officially declaring its independence from the diabetes epidemic.”

Epidemic is definitely a fitting description.

29.1 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and many people are still unaware that diabetes can sometimes be delayed or even prevented.

According to the CDC website,

“Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to build up in your blood.”

Type 2 diabetes can be sometimes be prevented or delayed by losing weight, eating right, and maintaining a good exercise program.

Hopefully, Diabetes Awareness Month will help to spread the word about how important diet and exercise is to maintaining a healthy life!