You or Someone You Love Could Have Diabetes and Not Know It; Rite Aid and the American Diabetes Association Sound the Alert for Diabetes Awareness

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 20.8 millionAmericans have diabetes, a 14 percent increase from the numbersreported by the CDC in 2003. The goal of Diabetes Alert Day is toeducate the estimated 41 million Americans who are at risk fordeveloping type 2 diabetes and the more than 6 million Americans whoalready have the disease but don't know it. Awareness and educationare the keys to early diagnosis and treatment, as well as preventionof diabetes and its complications.

"It's important that anyone with risk factors such as beingoverweight, having a family history of diabetes, being over the age of45, or leading an inactive lifestyle, take action," said Robert Rizza,MD, President, Medicine and Science, American Diabetes Association."We'd like to encourage people to take the Risk Test at their localRite Aid pharmacy, and if they score high, talk to their doctor abouttheir results at their next visit. It's a simple, seven-questionassessment that could save your life."

Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in theUnited States; 1.5 million people are diagnosed each year and despiteaggressive research efforts, there remains no cure in sight. Studiesconsistently show that early detection and treatment can decrease thechances of developing serious diabetes-related complications such asheart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.

To help raise awareness, Rite Aid offers a comprehensive diabetesawareness and management program providing a personal approach todiabetes care. Rite Aid pharmacists are specially trained in diabetescare and can provide crucial information on medications, side effects,glucose monitoring and other diabetes-related information.

"Rite Aid has made a commitment to become the pharmacy of choicefor patients with diabetes and to help them lead healthier lives,"said Phil Keough, senior vice president of pharmacy operations. "Wejoin with the American Diabetes Association throughout the year tohelp raise awareness and education of diabetes, its risk factors andmanagement."

In addition to supporting the mission of the ADA, Rite Aid helpedraise almost $1 million to benefit the ADA through its "DiabetesStars" program. Rite Aid also offers regular "Diabetes Days" in storeswhere individuals can take the Risk Test, receive advice frompharmacists on medications and side effects, and receive exercise andnutrition information. Information and resources on diabetes can befound at www.riteaiddiabetes.com, where visitors can receivecustomized diabetes information based on their current stage ofdiabetes or as a care giver. Rite Aid also sponsors a page on theADA's Web site (diabetes.org) called "Ask the Pharmacist." Thisfeature allows visitors to submit questions about diabetes managementand receive guidance from a Rite Aid pharmacist.

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation's leading drugstorechains with annual revenues of nearly $17.2 billion and approximately3,320 stores in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Informationabout Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, isavailable through the company's website at www.riteaid.com.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leadingvoluntary health organization supporting diabetes research,information, and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association hasoffices in every region of the country, providing services to hundredsof communities. To get a copy of the diabetes risk test or to getdiabetes-related information (in English or Spanish), please visitwww.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).