The event is free and open to the public and will take place at the MeritCare Broadway Clinic, 737 Broadway N., Fargo, in the auditorium, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Registration is required, please call (701) 234-5570 or (877) 234-4240.
Some facts about obesity and diabetes:
- The CDC reports that during the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the U.S.
- According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
- There are 20.8 million people in the U.S., or 7 percent of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly 33 percent) are unaware that they have the disease.
- For more information, go to meritcare.com or diabetes.org.