Press conference and executive ride raise diabetes awareness

Kelly Brough, Dr. Larry Wolk
Dr. Ann Wells

Dr. Larry Wolk, executive director and chief medical officer of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, joined Lt. Gov Joe Garcia and Kelly Brough of the Denver Chamber of Commerce for a press conference to raise awareness of the rising rates of diabetes.

The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes has increased 150 percent during the past decade. Today, there are nearly 26 million Americans - including 316,000 in Colorado - who have diabetes. While an estimated 18.8 million have been diagnosed, 7 million people remain unaware they have the disease. Without lifestyle changes, as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050.

The Diabetes Prevention Program can help those with prediabetes or at risk for diabetes prevent type 2 diabetes by learning how to eat healthier and move more. Call 1-800-DIABETES to find a local Diabetes Prevention Program.

At the press conference, Dr. Wolk and others presented information and resources for the Colorado business community and the public to get involved in the fight to stop diabetes and then joined local business executives for a 20-mile cycling ride. Lt. Gov. Garcia has lived with type 1 diabetes for 30 years and is this year's honorary chair of Tour de Cure Colorado, an annual ride that raises more than $1 million to fund local research, education, prevention programs and support for all people affected by diabetes. 

To register for the Tour de Cure, call 1-888-DIABETES or visit www.diabetes.org/coloradotourdecure.