On behalf of the Board and staff, thank you for your generous contribution to the Diabetes Education and Research Center through the United Way Donor Choice program. Your gift has enabled us to continue our mission: to make individuals aware of this disease, its complications and methods of treatment.
Diabetes is a serious illness. It affects approximately 8% of the population and it does not discriminate by race or age. Unfortunately, diabetes goes undetected by more than 20% of those affected by this disease. In addition to the approximately 24 million people with diabetes in this country, 57 million - over a quarter of the population - are estimated to have prediabetes, a condition of higher-than-normal blood glucose that can lead to diabetes, and by itself increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. The Diabetes Education and Research Center has instituted effective patient education programs for all, including the indigent, so that families and the diabetics are knowledgeable about the events that occur with the disease and proper methods for treatment, control, and the elimination of complications. Our Diabetes Education and Research Center also funds local research related to diabetes and associated problems. The goal of this research is to improve the lives of those with diabetes and reduce the complications of the disease. We ask for your continued support of the Diabetes Education and Research Center through United Way's Donor Choice OR you may choose to give directly to the address above. Your gift is especially appreciated in light of the current economic climate. Please visit us at our web site: www.DiabetesEducationandResourceCenter.org. We invite you to participate in the discussions on our blog as well as search for more information about this disease. Please feel free to contact us and exchange your thoughts and ideas about diabetes. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those with diabetes. Your very generous support and ongoing contribution enables us to continue with this work. Sincerely,