HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson continues to increase the public's focus on diabetes awareness, prevention, and management as the disease appears ever more prevalent in the nation, and also ever more preventable. While encouraging a healthier America, the Secretary has reached out to individuals and communities around the country to warn them of the dangers of diabetes, while also encouraging more diabetes research, testing, and education.

"There are 17 million Americans with diabetes, and another 16 million with pre-diabetes," Secretary Thompson said. "We need to encourage a change in the public understanding of these conditions. Studies show that the dangers of contracting diabetes can be drastically reduced with just moderate exercise. Just by walking 30 minutes a day, five times a week an individual can live a healthier and longer life."

This year, Secretary Thompson launched the "Take Time to Care About Diabetes" campaign, encouraging efforts to raise women's awareness about diabetes. The campaign enlists HHS's Food and Drug Administration, the American Diabetes Association, and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores to help distribute risk assessment information and clinical testing around the country, as well as distribute educational material and to promote awareness of the dangers of diabetes. Secretary Thompson also implemented the "Healthy Communities Innovation Initiative" which will distribute grants to several communities around the country who have taken innovative steps to help fight diabetes, asthma, and obesity in their area."

And just last month Secretary Thompson kicked off the new "VERB: It's What You DO" campaign. This new $200 million campaign is designed to encourage "tweens" - youth 9-13 years old - to get outside and get active, in an effort to stave off the obesity and juvenile diabetes that are beginning to plague the nation's youth. The VERB campaign will also enlist the help of media giants such as AOL Time Warner, Disney, and Nickelodeon, as well as celebrities and communities, in an all-out effort to reach the nation's youth.

"It is especially important to let children know of the risks they are facing. Diabetes is affecting our children at staggering rates, and we need to change this. Studies in Cincinatti, Charleston, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and other cities show that the percentage of children with type 2 diabetes has risen from less than 5 percent before 1994 to up to 30-50 percent after 1994. That's just too many," said Secretary Thompson.