On Saturday, Nov. 5, several thousand area residents will come together to be part of the Stop Diabetes movement at the Greater Los Angeles Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes, a fundraising walk benefiting the American Diabetes Association. For the first time in the walk’s 25-year history, the event will be held inside the park at Six Flags Magic Mountain (26101 Magic Mountain Parkway).

Every dollar raised through Step Out plays an important role in supporting the Association’s mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Public health officials estimate that nearly 10% of adults in Los Angeles County have diabetes. Researchers in a recent UCLA health study found an additional 46% of California adults have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetic. Early intervention via lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and increased physical activity, can help delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Today, there are nearly 30 million Americans who have diabetes. While an estimated 21 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 8.1 million people are unaware that they have the disease. If current trends continue, one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050.

“Diabetes is a devastating disease that touches us all,” said Cassie Shafer, region vice president of the Southern California Region. “Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes is such a wonderful event for Angelenos to come together and help change the future of diabetes. The camaraderie and spirit that is enjoyed by participating in this event is priceless.”

This one-day signature fundraising walk provides an opportunity for employees, friends and family to come together for a fun, healthy activity. This also marks a rare opportunity for walkers to traverse the park prior to opening and have the option of walking with their leashed canine friends.

There is no fundraising minimum to participate, but there are perks available at various fundraising levels. Raise a minimum of $100 and receive an event T-shirt and a free ticket to Six Flags Magic Mountain to be used on the day of the event.

This event is for everyone who wants to support the Association and raise critical funds that will help Stop Diabetes. This year, the national Step Out sponsors are Novo Nordisk, Nutrisystem, Walgreens, and Kay Jewelers. Local presenting sponsors include Ralphs and Food 4 Less, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Paul Mitchell, Nature Made, MannKind Corporation, and SMART MTA TCU Wellness Program. Alignment Healthcare is the Stop Diabetes sponsor, and Wells Fargo is an event supporter. Media Sponsors include Telemundo, Bella Los Angeles, Magazine of Santa Clarita, SCVTV, KHTS AM 1220, and Point of View Communications.

Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. with a stage program at 8 a.m. followed by a one or two mile walk through the park. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Parking is free for walkers and volunteers arriving before 8 a.m. Vendors, entertainment and diabetes resources available until 1 p.m. To register, volunteer, donate or find out more information, please visit www.diabetes.org/stepoutmagicmountain or call 1-323-966-2890 ext. 7413 or 7540 or email stepoutmagicmountain@diabetes.org. Together we can stop diabetes; one step at a time.

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 the Los Angeles office on Facebook (adalosangeles), Twitter (@ada_losangeles) and Instagram (@adalosangeles).