• My grandfather, a very strong man, to whom I was very close, had both of his legs amputated and eventually died from complications brought on by type II diabetes.
  
• I also have an uncle with type II diabetes.
  
• One of my closest friends, Keren Mandell, has Type I diabetes, and I see what she has to go through to keep it in check--she was also an inspiration running in the Dublin, Ireland Marathon in 2001 as part of Team Diabetes.
  
• And, finally, personally when I was obese I was on a path to develop Type II diabetes.

Over 18 million Americans now have diabetes, and as many as 6 million don't even know they have it! The number is set to grow even higher as America's waist-lines continue to expand. Various reports peg as many as 2/3 of Americans to be overweight, and 1/3 as obese. This is a country where it is not uncommon for children to get Type II ("adult on-set") diabetes. Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in this country and right now the outlook is bleak. People of all ages, including children, need to be educated so we can turn the tide on diabetes.

Many people first become aware that they have this chronic disease when they develop one of its life-threatening complications, such as blindness, kidney disease, amputation, high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke. Corporate leaders need to recognize that diabetes effects their bottom line as well. The indirect cost of diabetes is $42 billion; that includes disability, loss of work, and mortality.

The ADA stands ready to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. I am proud to be running for such a worthy cause. Please visit www.diabetes.org for comprehensive information on diabetes it is a great resource. There was also a recent report by Time on the diabetes epidemic. Also check out these related links: http://www.diabetes-exercise.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org http://www.diabetes.org/communityprograms-and-localevents/diabetesexpo.jsp

This run is not possible without your support. All donations are greatly appreciated! Click here to make a donation. If you have any questions, comments, or you just want to say "Hi", send me an email at JGross@DiabetesRun.com or leave a note in the Guestbook.