WASHINGTON — One in three people in the D.C. metro area suffers from pre-diabetes, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes. On Saturday, a fundraiser will help in the fight against diabetes in all its forms.
“The most important distinction here is, if you’re having pre-diabetes it gives you a window of opportunity where you can actually reverse it,” said Jennifer E. Fassbender, associate director of physical fitness at the American Diabetes Association.
“Physical activity is a really great way to prevent and manage diabetes,” Fassbender said.
There will be no shortage of physical activity at Saturday’s ADA fundraiser to raise money for diabetes advocacy research. It’s at FedEx Field in Hyattsville, Maryland.
At “Game On Greater Washington,” there are a number of ways to participate, including runs, walks and bike rides of various intensities.
“There’s even an ‘over-the-edge’ rappelling opportunity down the side of FedEx Field,” Fassbender said, for participants who raise at least $500 in donations.
The Health & Wellness Expo and Kids’ Zone are free and include cooking demonstrations, diabetes screenings, face painting, a balloon artist, coloring and an inflatable bounce house and slide.
There will be food vendors and bands performing live music.
Ticketed activities that involve fees — the climbing wall, zip line, hamster ball track and Xtreme obstacle course, among others — range from $5 to $20.
Tickets can be purchased with cash or credit cards at FedEx Field, or reserved
online.
