Look at the numbers: 30.3 million Americans have diabetes; and 84 million more have prediabetes, which means their blood sugar is too high, but not high enough to be considered diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association is tackling this pandemic head-on in Southern California. One way we aim to change the future of diabetes is by making sure children and their families are informed and supported. At summer camps and family retreats across the Southland, children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, or with prediabetes, learn how healthy living can be fun by learning to make better nutritional choices and staying active.

Kids, like Melissa, learn life-changing skills. In 2016, Melissa attended Camp PowerUp in Los Angeles, challenged by the physical activities. By learning simple exercises at camp, Melissa is not only staying active, but recently sprinted across the finish line at Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes in Griffith Park.

With one in 10 Californians living with diabetes, your support is more critical than ever. Be a part of the solution by calling your local American Diabetes Association office today at (323) 966-2890, ext. 7473 or go to http://www.diabetes.org/ for more information.