Discovery Familia Joins The Battle Against Diabetes

USA - English

• Latin America - español

MIAMI, Nov. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Diabetes is a disease affecting nearly 26 million people in the United States. Among Hispanic adults, 11.8% have been diagnosed with diabetes. During American Diabetes Month in November, Discovery Familia is launching a campaign in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association with the goal of providing awareness to the Hispanic community about this rapidly-growing disease. The initiative will include special programming, a series of spots and infographics developed specifically to provide information on this timely topic.

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Presented by Dr. Selene Velasco, Discovery Familia's health expert, the spots will air in November during the network's evening programming. They will offer key information on the risk factors of type 2 diabetes, its symptoms, as well as the means for its prevention. To watch a poignant preview and promotional images, click here: http://discoveryush.com/diabetes/

"It is estimated that Hispanics are almost twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It's important that, as a community, we take this disease seriously, and that we educate ourselves on its risk factors and on the ways we can prevent it," commented Dr. Selene Velasco.

"We are thrilled about this collaboration. It will allow the Association to get its message of prevention, education and diabetes management out in the Hispanic community," said Lurelean B. Gaines, RN, MSN, President, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association. "The Association is committed to serving this high-risk population, and during this American Diabetes Month, we're asking those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to enroll in our free Living with Type 2 Diabetes program. Almost 12 percent of Hispanics are living with type 2 diabetes. It is important for them to know that with proper care, they can manage their diabetes and live a healthy life."

As part of this collaborative project, Discovery Familia is presenting Cara a cara con la obesidad, a series that analyzes the global obesity epidemic and its consequences. In it, diabetes is studied by following four overweight families who travel to different parts of the world where the levels of obesity are extremely high. The objective is to expose each individual to the harsh realities of living as morbidly obese person so that they may reassess their own lifestyles and be inspired to adopt healthier habits. The series introduces cases including ones in which people cannot be weighed on a regular scale, shows some who run the risk of inheriting diabetes because of family histories, spotlights others who are addicted to junk food, and reveals the struggles of those who weigh three times their healthy weight. Cara a cara con la obesidad premieres Saturday, November 9 at 10 pm ET/PT.

While continuing to honor its dedication to provide beneficial information that reflects the needs, interests and concerns of its audience, Discovery Familia also offers statistics, resources and information specific to the topic of type 2 diabetes. This valuable insight includes symptoms of and treatment for diabetes, as well as practical advice on nutrition and physical activities through infographics available on its page at facebook.com/discoveryfamilia.

Important facts:

It is estimated that 25.8 million people in the United States- 8.3% of its population- has diabetes:

• Diagnosed: 18.8 million people
• Undiagnosed: 7 million people
• Pre-diabetes: 79 million people

The following describes the prevalence by race/ethnicity of people 20 years old or older diagnosed with diabetes:

• 7.1% of non-Hispanic whites
• 8.4% of Asian Americans
• 12.6% of non-Hispanic blacks
• 11.8% of Hispanics

Among the Hispanic population:

• 7.6% Cuban
• 13.3% Mexican
• 13.8% Puerto-Rican

(Source: Information administered by the CDC, NIH and ADA)

About Dr. Selene Velasco
Dr. Selene brings years of experience in the practice of Internal Medicine to Discovery Familia, with a focus on Chronic Diseases and Nutrition, including diabetes and hypertension. She received her medical degree in family practice, with a concentration on women's health from University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). She has also practiced medicine internationally, and worked tirelessly amid the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus in Mexico City. She has continued to travel there on numerous occasions, each time providing essential medical services to low-income communities.

About Discovery Familia
Part of Discovery Communications, Discovery Familia is the only Spanish-language channel dedicated entirely to Hispanic mothers and the things that matter in their lives: their children, their homes and their time. During the day, the Discovery Kids block provides a safe environment for children aged 2-6 with entertaining, research-based programming to prepare them for the world around them. In the evening, the channel offers programming for moms, focusing on such topics as childcare, the home, food, health and beauty.  With trustworthy content and top-quality entertainment, Discovery Familia is a place for Hispanic moms and their children to call "home."  For more information, please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/discoveryfamilia.

About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

SOURCE Discovery Familia