Diabetes is a disease that sometimes can be forgotten. But in the United States alone, there are over 26 million people living with it and another 79 million who are at risk of being diagnosed with it.
With so many people at risk, one would think the disease would receive more attention. But in many cases, people don’t think about the disease or its prevention until it is too late.
A group in Ludowici led by Walt Pelton is planning to get the word out about this disease by holding the first-ever Long County Diabetes Awareness Day on Nov. 8 at the Long County Recreation Complex.
Activities include a CrossFit competition, a motorcycle dice run, pony rides, a bounce house and a diabetes-friendly chili cook-off.  In addition, there will be free health screenings, live music, door prizes and a raffle for a 75-quart Grizzly Cooler.  
Pelton said a 5K is on the schedule as well and that it’s open to runners as well as walkers.  
“The walk is free, but you may purchase a T-shirt designed for the event by a local high school student for $25,” Pelton said.
To preregister for the 5K, purchase a T-shirt or join a team, go to www.diabetes.org/stepoutsavannah.  
Although the majority of the activities will take place Nov. 8, Pelton said the fun actually will begin with a dance for both kids and adults at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at Long Middle School.
“All proceeds from this event will go to the American Diabetes Association to help fight diabetes, a disease that affects one out of every three Americans,” Pelton said.
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 usually affects children and young adults when their bodies do not produce enough insulin.
Type 2 is the more common, affecting 95 percent of the people with diabetes.  People with this type do not process glucose as they are supposed to, resulting in abnormal sugar levels.  
Some of the signs of Type 2 diabetes include being unusually hungry or thirsty, frequent urination and unexplained weight loss. People who are overweight, smoke tobacco, are physically inactive or have high blood pressure are at the highest risk to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.
“Please come out and support this great cause and have some fun,” Pelton said.
For more information on becoming a vendor or sponsor, call Pelton at 912-656-6289. For more information on diabetes and its warning signs, go to www.diabetes.org.