American Diabetes Association Launches Diabetes Dance Dare, an Online Dance and Donate Campaign

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Diabetes Association (Association) announced the Diabetes Dance Dare to raise awareness about the impact of diabetes and to empower people across the U.S. to get moving. The social media campaign encourages people to record videos of their dances, share them online via Instagram or Twitter, and challenge others to dance and donate to the Association.

Diabetes Dance Dare launched today with celebrity chef, weight loss expert and best-selling author Devin Alexander. Additional participants are Sam Martin, a punter for Detroit's professional football team who is challenging Shaquille O'Neal, a former professional basketball player; Shane Ray, an outside linebacker for Denver's professional football team; and Rashad Jennings, a running back with New York's professional football team. The campaign also has the support of additional professional athletes and celebrities, who will be announced in the coming days and weeks.

"Everyone is impacted by diabetes – a disease that has grown in epidemic proportions to include more than 29 million people in the U.S. An additional 86 million have prediabetes, and nearly 90 percent are unaware of their risk," said Kevin L. Hagan, CEO of the American Diabetes Association. "Our hope is that through the Diabetes Dance Dare, we will engage millions of individuals across the country, igniting conversations and generating funds to help us fight the disease." 

Diabetes Dance Dare participants are asked to share a video of themselves dancing via social media using the hashtag #DiabetesDanceDare. A 23-second long video could help signify this important diabetes statistic—someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes every 23 seconds. In addition to sharing their dance, participants are asked to "dare" three friends to also dance and donate to the Association.

"I'm excited to be a part of kicking off the Diabetes Dance Dare helping increase awareness and support for the mission of the American Diabetes Association. I'm also looking forward to seeing some dance moves from Shane, Shaq and Rashad, since I've challenged them to the Diabetes Dance Dare," said Detroit punter and Team Tackle member Sam Martin. "I was affected by diabetes through my grandpa, and I never actually got the chance to meet him. He passed away before I was born due to complications from type 1 diabetes. As a member of Team Tackle, I hope football fans and people across the country will join the Diabetes Dance Dare to show off their dance moves! Together, we will generate awareness and support for the American Diabetes Association."
More information on the Diabetes Dance Dare can be found at DiabetesDanceDare.org.

About Diabetes
One in 11 people in the U.S. has diabetes, and there is a new diabetes diagnosis every 23 seconds. Diabetes is a disease in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not properly use insulin, a hormone that converts sugar and food into energy needed for life. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults; approximately 5 percent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, affecting approximately 95 percent of people with diabetes, marked by higher than normal levels of sugar in the blood. Gestational diabetes starts when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. People with diabetes are at a higher risk for kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, blindness and other eye problems, and lower-limb amputations. 

About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish. Find us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).

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SOURCE American Diabetes Association

Related Links

http://www.diabetes.org/