Lions Diabetes Awareness Month: Making Strides Against a Global Epidemic

During Lions Diabetes Awareness Month in November, many of our clubs work on projects to fight a disease that affects 250 million people. We recently sent a video crew to see how the San Diego Premier Lions Club is making strides against this disease.

The club’s “Lions Dance for Diabetes” project offers a free dance lesson – and the chance to receive diabetes information, advice and screenings from a doctor or nurse. Each “Dance” also includes a short presentation about diabetes symptoms, risk factors and complications.

By educating young people and minorities, the club hopes to reduce the incidence of diabetes. “I’ve been living with diabetes for 13 years,” says Virginia Palmer, a member of a neighboring Lions club who serves as a role model. “Before I didn’t do any dieting or exercising. Now I am much more aware. I watch my food intake and I do a lot of exercise.” By involving the community, Lions are helping others take the steps needed to live healthy, active lives.