Dash for Diabetes, as indicated by the name, was organized to benefit research into treating diabetes. All proceeds gained from the event go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and fund its fight against diabetes.
With your help, diabetes in the future could be eliminated. Additional contributions to the cause are welcome and can be given on the day of the race or through the Dash for Diabetes donation page.
The Facts:
• 24 million Americans (8% of the population) have diabetes
• The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2; both involve insulin, which is a hormone produced by the body to convert sugar into energy
• Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, while Type 2 diabetes becomes more prevalent with age.
• An individual with Type 1 diabetes must maintain blood sugar levels because the body does not produce sufficient amounts of insulin. Insulin shots prevent serious effects such as passing out, if blood sugar is too low, or ketoacidosis, if blood sugar is too high.
• An individual with Type 2 diabetes produces insulin in his/her body but receptors do not respond to the hormone effectively. The same consequences as above can be avoided with oral medications or weight loss.
