The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recently launched the online Diabetes Dance Dare to increase awareness about how diabetes affects people and how to encourage U.S. residents to be physically fit to reduce their risk of developing diabetes.
The ADA’s social media campaign requires people to record videos of themselves dancing on Twitter or Instagram. It challenges participants to donate to the ADA, as well.
“Everyone is impacted by diabetes -- a disease that has grown in epidemic proportions to include more than 29 million people in the U.S.,” Kevin Hagan, CEO of the ADA, said. “An additional 86 million have prediabetes, and nearly 90 percent are unaware of their risk. Our hope is that through the Diabetes Dance Dare, we will engage millions of individuals across the country, igniting conversations and generating funds to help us fight the disease.”
Participants include Shaquille O'Neal, former NBA player; Devin Alexander, weight loss expert, celebrity chef and best-selling author; Sam Martin, punter for the Detroit Lions football team; Rashad Jennings, running back for the New York Giants; and Shane Ray, outside linebacker for the Denver Broncos; among others.
“I'm excited to be a part of kicking off the Diabetes Dance Dare helping increase awareness and support for the mission of the American Diabetes Association -- I'm also looking forward to seeing some dance moves from Shane, Shaq and Rashad, since I've challenged them to the Diabetes Dance Dare,” Martin said. “I was affected by diabetes through my grandpa, and I never actually got the chance to meet him. He passed away before I was born due to complications from type 1 diabetes. As a member of Team Tackle, I hope football fans and people across the country will join the Diabetes Dance Dare to show off their dance moves. Together, we will generate awareness and support for the American Diabetes Association.”
