Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Even though we are still in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has altered life in every conceivable way, there are still other diseases out there that deserve attention.

One of them is diabetes, and while it may not sound as scary as COVID-19 — and it’s certainly not contagious, though it is hereditary — it also can be deadly. People who suffer from diabetes know some of the potential complications, and while they are long-term and not an acute illness like our current pandemic, they are serious.

The American Diabetes Association has continued to work during the pandemic to provide research, prevention, education and advocacy for those who have diabetes, are at risk for developing diabetes or who need to know how they can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes. 

This year’s Tour de Cure is a virtual event. Unlike previous years, there will be no crowd at the starting line and no health fair where people can learn about healthy cooking, the impact of diabetes on various aspects of their health, get screening for risk factors, and more.

Thankfully, though, perhaps this opens up participation to even more people. The virtual event means people can walk, run or bike a distance of their choosing on their own and record their participation. They also can do all of their fundraising virtually.

“Our 2021 Virtual Tour de Cure event is a great opportunity for everyone in Western Tidewater to sign up and set a goal to be more active,” said Deanie Eldridge, American Diabetes Association executive director. “With no registration fee for this year’s event, we hope that many residents will join us to safely ride, run or walk in their neighborhoods or homes, to promote overall health and wellness and help raise much-needed funds for diabetes research, advocacy and education/awareness efforts.”

You can read more about the event, and about a local woman’s motivation to participate, on today’s front page. 

To sign up, visit diabetes.org/virginiatdc.