The Lions Diabetes Awareness Program Mission Statement is:

To conduct and support local and large-scale effort leading to the control and treatment of diabetes and its complications through education, prevention and research.

Lions clubs are encouraged to appoint one member to serve as the diabetes awareness chairperson. On the district level and multiple district level, the district governor and council chairperson, respectively, appoint Lions to serve as the district and multiple district diabetes awareness chairpersons.

This Lion should be familiar with:

• diabetes, including medical or technological advances
• Lions board policy as it pertains to the Diabetes Program
• the responsibilities of district chairmen as outlined below
• opportunities for Lions to create and contribute to diabetes projects
• diabetes project funds available through Core 4 Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) grants
• requirements for the District Diabetes Awareness Award as outlined below

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation have declared November 14 as World Diabetes Day.  This is an ideal time to implement a diabetes project.

Medical or technological advances in diabetes

Researchers have developed a new diabetes blood test known as the hemoglobin A1c test. This simple lab test records the average amount of sugar in the blood during the past three months. Only a healthcare provider can perform the new hemoglobin A1c test.  

Researchers have also discovered a connection between diabetes and both high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Studies have proven that people with diabetes are twice as likely as people without diabetes to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

It is suggested that people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes:

• undergo a hemoglobin A1c test;
• control their blood pressure;
• maintain low levels of LDL or "good cholesterol."

In addition, diabetes researchers continue to announce new methods for testing blood sugar and new surgical procedures for transplanting islet cells. The Web sites of diabetes research organizations feature the most up-to-date information about medical and technological advances in diabetes.  

Lions can provide diabetes assistance in two ways:

1. help educate the public about the warning signs of diabetes;

2. provide aid to persons who have diabetes.

Lions clubs should begin planning diabetes projects by contacting their district diabetes awareness chairperson. This Lion should be aware of local and regional diabetes programs. It is suggested that this Lion serve on state or regional diabetes awareness committees.   Together, district and club-level diabetes chairpersons can organize effective diabetes programs. This may involve:

• participation in an existing diabetes program;
• development of a new community-wide project among diabetes organizations;
• creation of a new Lions-organized diabetes project.

Before developing any club project, Lions should:  

• Evaluate community needs. Does your community have a large "at-risk" population (persons who are elderly, overweight, or who belong to specific ethnic groups)? Is diabetes prevalent in the community? What is the best way to assist this population?

• Partner with local diabetes organizations. Contact local government agencies, private diabetes foundations, or hospitals. Suggest forming a partnership for diabetes education programs or fundraisers.

• Determine the best diabetes project for your community. Local health care regulations may affect your choice of diabetes awareness projects.

• Outline a plan. Include procedures and costs involved in implementing the project. Submit the plan to your club for approval.

District chairpersons are responsible for project planning

• Begin by setting goals. Evaluate the effectiveness of current club-level and district-level diabetes awareness projects. Outline an overall district plan. Include procedures required for fulfilling the plan. Submit the plan to the district governor for approval.
• Communicate these goals and project ideas to club chairpersons through: an open letter on the district Web site; an open letter in the district governor's newsletter; e-mails, personal letters, telephone calls, or personal visits.
• Incorporate new project ideas contributed by clubs. Do not duplicate local, regional, or national programs. Work with local healthcare professionals to provide the most appropriate service to the community.   One new project idea is organizing a Strides: Lions Walk for Diabetes Awareness.  Click here to learn more.              
• Arrange diabetes awareness seminars and workshops to explain the topic to club chairpersons. Invite health care professionals as speakers. Seminars and workshops often help motivate clubs toward participation in diabetes awareness.
• Report diabetes awareness activities to the district cabinet and to the local media through communications with the district public relations chairperson. Chairpersons are encouraged to submit reports and photographs of successful diabetes projects to:

Health & Children's Services Department 
Lions Clubs International
300 W. 22nd Street
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842
USA

Core 4 Grants

Lions multiple districts and sub-districts can apply for Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Core 4 Grants for diabetes prevention and treatment projects. LCIF introduced the Core 4 Grant program in 1998.

Resources for Diabetes Chairpersons

Chairpersons are encouraged to use the Internet as an international resource for diabetes information.

The following health organizations may be utilized for additional resources and information:  

• American Diabetes Association (ADA)  is a nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy.  
• Children with Diabetes - includes camp locations in Australia, Canada, and the US.
• Diabetes Education & Camping Association (DECA) serves as a worldwide voice to advance diabetes camping programs that meet the needs of individuals and families.
• International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is a worldwide alliance of 200 diabetes associations in 158 countries, who have come together to enhance the lives of people with diabetes everywhere. Click here to locate a diabetes association in your country. 
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide.
• (US) National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is a leading public education program that promotes diabetes prevention and control in the USA. Lions are encouraged to visit the website for more information about diabetes, including educational resources and publications suitable for distribution to the public.
• (US) National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) established the LCIF-funded LEHP.  Through its National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP), the National Eye Institute conducts large-scale public and professional education programs in partnership with national organizations.
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports basic and clinical research.
• World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency responsible for international public health.

Diabetes Awareness Awards

District governors receive two blank diabetes awards. At the end of the year, the district governor presents the awards on behalf of the Association.

To qualify for the District Diabetes Awareness Award, a chairperson must: motivate others to participate in the Lions Diabetes Awareness Program outline and implement a plan of action for a district diabetes awareness project work to promote the Lions Diabetes Awareness Program in the community

The club in the district that completes the most outstanding work in the area of diabetes education can receive the New Horizons Award in Diabetes Education from the district governor.

Click here for awards and recognition information for: Lions members, Lions clubs, Lions districts, Lions multiple districts, Leos and youth, international Lion leaders, and non-Lions. 

To order service activites publications, including Diabetes Program publications, click here.