Whether you have diabetes or not, this year you can join those who do and be part of the "Big Blue Test." I know of no other cause where in 14 minutes you can get life-saving diabetes medicine and supplies to people around the world -- many of whom will die without them.
By doing any activity of your choice, for 14 minutes, and recording your activity, Roche Diabetes Care (makers of ACCU-CHECK® products and services) will make a $5 donation to the Diabetes Hands Foundation (DHF), who will then award the monies to seven global humanitarian diabetes organizations.
There's also a second benefit to doing the Big Blue Test: You actually see the amazing power of exercise to lower your blood sugar. I've done this test twice before and just 14 minutes of walking lowers my blood sugar on average 18 points!
This year the Big Blue Test's video call to action features one of the most popular talents from TV's American Idol, Elliott Yamin. Yamin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 16 years old.
Mike Lawson, DHF's Head of Experience, says, "We couldn't be more thrilled that Elliott Yamin is carrying our message, and that again this year, everyone in the video either has, or has been touched by, diabetes."
Now in its fourth year of this grassroots movement, to get people with diabetes to see the value of exercise and get life-saving supplies to those in need, the DHF has broadened the field. For the first time people without diabetes can participate in the Big Blue Test as a show of support for loved ones and also to help increase the donation. If 20,000 people participate this year, Roche will increase its donation to a full $100,000.
Here's how to do The Big Blue Test. If you have diabetes:
1) Test your blood sugar.
2) Do 14-20 minutes of activity.
3) Test your blood sugar again and record your results at BigBlueTest.org .
If you don't have diabetes, do 14-20 minutes of activity and record your activity at BigBlueTest.org.
Also, you can participate as many times as you want, and each test counts toward a donation.
If for no other reason than doing a good deed, I encourage you to do the Big Blue Test. But there is another reason -- seeing the startling benefit of activity to lower your blood sugar.
For those who've done the Big Blue Test in previous years, Manny Hernandez, president of the DHF, says they've seen their blood sugar decrease on average 20 percent!
"Some realize," says Hernandez, "for the very first time just how effective exercise is for managing blood sugar." Another good reason not to waste a moment.
You have between now and Nov. 14, World Diabetes Day, to participate, but why wait? Your body -- and thousands of people with diabetes who will receive the supplies, treatments and education they need to live, because you took a few minutes today to move your body -- will thank you.
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