The annual Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes has been paired with the Tour de Cure for a fundraiser that offers walk, run and cycling options. - Photos: Nelson Gaspar

The American Diabetes Association has combined two annual fundraising events this year, offering more ways to actively make a difference for the cause.

Together, the Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes and Tour de Cure events include a 5K walk/run and multiple cycling routes, followed by a festival at Kapi‘olani Regional Park with food, live music and family-friendly activities. Tour de Cure Hawai‘i will be held on March 17.

Nearly 600,000 people in Hawai‘i have diabetes and Native Hawaiians are 2.2 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than their Caucasian counterparts, according to the federal Office of Minority Health.

The risk of diabetes increases with age, and is more prevalent in men and women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle and immediate family members with diabetes. The last Tuesday of March, this year March 28, is alert day, when the American Diabetes Association encourages everyone to take a risk test to raise awareness of the seriousness of diabetes. The test can be found at goo.gl/JqzHBa.

Participation in Tour de Cure Hawai‘i is $20 from March 1-17. The event options include 10, 25 and 50 mile rides; 5K and 10K runs and a 2.3 mile walk.

For more information, contact Danielle Tuata at dtuata@diabetes.org or (808) 947-5979.
Checks can be mailed to:
Tour de Cure
900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 940
Honolulu, HI 96813