ALEXANDRIA, VA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/14/09 -- The American Diabetes Association (ADA), the nation's largest and leading voluntary health organization dedicated to the fight against diabetes, has selected Chris Stokes, 17, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, to be the Association's 2009 National Youth Advocate. Chris was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 15 months old. As the Association's National Youth Advocate, Chris will spend a year meeting with policy makers, promoting the Association's advocacy agenda, and reaching out to young people and adults to encourage them to become involved in the fight against diabetes.

"Chris has embraced his diabetes and he has thrived in many areas where he was originally told he would not excel -- he does not let it break his stride and he is trying to spread that message to other young people. As the National Youth Advocate he is dedicated to helping other kids with diabetes to thrive and to work towards a better future for others with diabetes," said George Huntley, Chair of the Board of the Association. "While Chris has never known life without diabetes -- he hopes that one day he will and he is working with the Association to realize that dream. His passion and persistence in informing those around him about the seriousness of this disease is inspiring."

In addition to being a diligent student, a dedicated trumpet player and the captain of his wrestling team, Chris works hard to be an active voice in the fight against diabetes. Chris has met with his representative and senators several times in the past few years to discuss the need to increase funding for diabetes research and prevention, and to make sure they know that diabetes is a serious disease. "I don't get a break from diabetes," said Chris. "It is with me all the time, and affects everything I do. Our elected officials need to know that, so they understand why they should help in the fight against diabetes."

In his role as National Youth Advocate, Chris hopes to increase awareness about diabetes and encourage others to become involved in ADA's advocacy efforts. He plans to post his insights and experiences on a blog on Planet D, the Association's website designed just for kids and teens with diabetes and other kids who care about them.

To learn more about Chris and the Association's advocacy efforts, please visit www.diabetes.org/nya.

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the body's ability to produce or respond properly to insulin, a hormone that allows blood sugar to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. Nearly 24 million children and adults have diabetes. At least 57 million have pre-diabetes. If present trends continue, one in three children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes 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, its 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.

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