Al Roker, NBC "Today" co- host and America's favorite weatherman, is joining the Inspired by Diabetes global campaign as a National Ambassador to raise awareness of the growing diabetes epidemic in the U.S.
Inspired by Diabetes is a global collaboration among Eli Lilly and Company, the International Diabetes Federation's Unite for Diabetes initiative and the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes. In the United States, the American Diabetes Association is serving as the Inspired by Diabetes U.S. national advocate.
As a National Ambassador, Roker will promote the Inspired by Diabetes Creative Expression Competition, a contest inviting people with diabetes, as well as their family and friends, to share their diabetes journeys through art, essay, poetry, photography and music (www.inspiredbydiabetes.com). Additionally, as part of American Diabetes Month and as a lead-in to the first United Nations-designated World Diabetes Day on November 14, Roker will host an "Inspired by Diabetes Day" at the Children's Museum of Manhattan and an NBC News Special on Diabetes, airing in major markets, on November 10. The special is sponsored by Lilly, a global leader in diabetes care.
November is American Diabetes Month, organized by the American Diabetes Association. This year's theme is "The Many Faces of Diabetes," spotlighting the role of people with diabetes, caregivers, people in the workplace, at-risk populations and children in the daily challenges of managing diabetes. ADA is the U.S. National Advocate for the Inspired by Diabetes campaign and is encouraging people affected by diabetes to enter the contest.
Roker, who has actively supported programs combating childhood obesity through his production company Al Roker Productions, Inc., has joined Inspired by Diabetes to help raise awareness of what Americans can do to improve their own health in the face of the diabetes epidemic, including the rise of type 2 diabetes in children.
According to two National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) conducted from 1976-1980 and again in 2003-2004, the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased from 6.5 percent to nearly 19 percent in children ages 6 to 11 and jumped from 5 percent to 17.4 percent in American teenagers.(1) Further, the CDC indicates that the epidemics of obesity and the low level of physical activity among young people may be major contributors to the increase in type 2 diabetes during childhood and adolescence.(2)
"More than 21 million children and adults have diabetes in this country, so it is critical for our friends, families and communities to understand the impact the disease can have and what we can do to stay healthy," Roker said. "The Inspired by Diabetes campaign puts a national spotlight on this epidemic, and I'm inspired by the program's commitment to helping children both here in the United States and around the world."
By entering the Inspired by Diabetes competition, participants can have a direct impact on the lives of children with diabetes around the world. For each entry received in the U.S., Eli Lilly and Company will contribute funds toward diabetes youth outreach initiatives in the U.S. through scholarships for ADA diabetes camps. Globally, Lilly will donate funds to IDF's Life for a Child program providing life-saving diabetes supplies to more than 500 children in 13 developing countries.
"Al's genuine care and compassion for the well-being of our communities is truly moving, and we are thrilled to have him as the National Ambassador for Inspired by Diabetes," said Darlene Cain, Chair of the ADA Board. "By lending his infectious enthusiasm to our program, Al plays an important and influential role in inspiring others to contribute to the Inspired by Diabetes contest."
