In March 1984 the Diabetes Awareness Program became a major commitment of the association. The main objective of the program is to reduce the number of new cases of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy through education, detection and research. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of adult blindness, and diabetes is the third leading cause of death by disease.
· Become familiar with the District Diabetes Chairman Guide.
· Become knowledgeable on diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.
· Raise the level of diabetes awareness in your district by coordinating diabetes activities involving the entire district.
· Be available for forums and presentations at zone meetings, conventions and rallies.
· Stress the importance to clubs of notifying the public of what needs to be done and what is being done to reduce the new cases of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy.
· Establish liaison with local diabetes organizations and the medical community for assistance in planning diabetes activities.