More than 600 Santa Clarita Valley-area residents descended on Six Flags Magic Mountain on Saturday, 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.

The walk, led by Los Angeles Lakers guard Corey Brewer, traveled through the theme park and Hurricane Harbor in Valencia. Participants were treated to breakfast prior to the walk and a light lunch and festival following the 8:30 a.m. walk.

“We are so happy to see the enthusiastic support for the American Diabetes Association in Santa Clarita,” said Julian Dillon, the Association’s interim executive director for Southern California, when discussing the devastating nature of the disease that affects many.

“Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes is such a wonderful event for supporters to come together and help change the future of diabetes,” she said. “The camaraderie and spirit that is enjoyed by participating in this event is priceless.”

Longtime supporter and actor Jack McGee (“The Fighter,” “Moneyball,” “21”) was on hand to serve as emcee. In addition to Brewer, young actor Nathan Arenass (Disney’s “Bunk’d“) and singer Elliott Yamin (“American Idol”) joined the walk.

Dr. Kim Perry, president of the National Dental Association, attended as sponsor Colgate’s expert to inform to participants on whole mouth health and its connection to diabetes.

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 percent of adults in Los Angeles County have diabetes. Researchers in a recent UCLA health study found an additional 46 percent 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.

Event organizers recognize everyone who supports the Association and helps raise critical funds that will help Stop Diabetes. This year, the national Step Out sponsors are Novo Nordisk (national premier/Red Strider Sponsor), Nutrisystem D, Walgreens, Kay Jewelers, Visionworks and Davis Vision. Local sponsors include Colgate Total, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, PDC, and Herbalife Nutrition. Media Sponsors include Magazine of Santa Clarita, InsideSCV Magazine, The Signal, SCVTV, KHTS AM 1220, and Point of View Communications.

Next year’s event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in connection with the Association’s Tour de Cure at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Center in Irwindale.

“This will be a large-scale event were supporters can walk, run or ride to Stop Diabetes,” Dillon said. Registration is now open [here].

For more information, visit diabetes.org/stepoutgreaterlosangeles or call 1-323-966-2890 ext. 7413 or email stepoutgreaterLA@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).