As Diabetes Reaches Epidemic Levels in Georgia and U.S., Thousands Drawn to Diabetes University in Atla...( Participants urged to sign up o...),Health

Participants urged to sign up online at http://www.diabetesatlanta.org

ATLANTA, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Question: What disease has been diagnosed in more than 600,000 Georgians, could be present in more than 300,000 more, and kills five people every day in Georgia? HIV, cancer, heart disease?

No. The answer is diabetes.

And, new CDC data shows that the rate of diabetes cases in the U.S. has nearly doubled in the past 10 years - with the worst numbers occurring in the South.

Thousands who want to learn how to better manage their diabetes, along with families and loved ones affected by the disease, are expected to take part in a daylong diabetes learning experience at the 15th annual Diabetes University on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Apparel Mart in downtown Atlanta.

Prevention is essential, but at Diabetes University, participants will learn about managing diabetes to avoid its complications, including blindness and kidney disease.

"For young people born in 2000, the outlook is particularly grim unless they change their lifestyles," said Carol Johnson Davis, Executive Director of the Diabetes Association of Atlanta, key sponsor of Diabetes University Nov. 8. "Statistics show that one third of all Americans born in 2000, and one half of all minorities born in 2000, will develop diabetes in their lifetime if present trends continue. We must address this epidemic now, and Diabetes University is one way we are trying to help."

This November, Diabetes Awareness Month, marks a milestone Georgia should not be proud of, she said. More people than ever before will be suffering from the deadly disease.

At Diabetes University on Nov. 8, participants can experience more than 20 informative and fun workshops, including cooking demonstrations, educational sessions, vendor presentations and other learning events designed to help those affected by diabetes better m
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