Through interests of Sree Nilakanta, associate professor and chairman of supply chain and information systems department, the ISU Diabetic Education Club emerged into an organization that now provides awareness and education on diabetes prevention and also offers support to individuals who deal with the condition.

After being deemed official through the Student Activities Center a few weeks ago, the new club is kicking off their excitement with an activity for the rest of the ISU student body to join.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 12, the club will host a walk for diabetes in honor of American Diabetes Month. The walk will begin in the skywalk connecting Howe and Hoover where participants will have the chance to walk among several kiosks that will be distributing educational materials on Type 2 diabetes prevention and awareness.

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes remains the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S. and has claimed 29.1 million Americans. In other words, nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population has been diagnosed with diabetes and an estimated 86 million Americans age 20 and older have been diagnosed with prediabetes. 

However, prediabetes can be addressed early enough to prevent serious cases of diabetes from developing. By getting enough exercise per week, individuals with prediabetes can delay the onset of the condition. The educational walk hopes to provide not only exercise but also a break from the demands of everyday life. 

The club hopes to educate participants on diabetes awareness and its prevention Nov. 12 and present healthy opportunities to the ISU community. 

For more information contact Emily Brown, president of the Diabetic Education Club at [email protected] and visit “Diabetic Education Club at ISU” on Facebook to view club information and updates.