(ARA) - Whether you are at risk for, have been recently diagnosed, or are living with diabetes, it is essential to make sure you have the information necessary to manage your disease. It can also be overwhelming caring for someone with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association aims to make it easier and the organization's EXPOs are a great place to start.

American Diabetes Association EXPOs are free and held in 11 major cities across the country. They have everything consumers need to know about diabetes, products, healthy eating and exercise.

One person who appreciates these EXPOs is Steve Shaffer of Denver, Colo. Shaffer has had type 1 diabetes for 33 years. "EXPO has been a great experience for me over the years I've attended, exposing me to a variety of useful information on diabetes and what's going on in my community," he said.

EXPOs include health screenings, cooking demonstrations, product and service exhibitors as well as leading experts talking about diabetes management and prevention. "I learned even more about diabetes from vendors, key speakers and professionals at EXPO," Shaffer added. "It's an educational event not just for individuals with diabetes, but also for those who help take care of a loved one with the disease."

Shaffer is also an avid cyclist; he learned about the Association's Tour de Cure cycling event at an EXPO and has been a volunteer for the cause ever since.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented if you maintain a healthy diet, increase physical activity and maintain a healthy weight. If not controlled, diabetes can lead to complications such as blindness, amputations, and heart and kidney disease.

There are currently nearly 26 million people living in the U.S. with diabetes, 7 million of whom are undiagnosed. Visiting an EXPO event is one way you can become part of movement to Stop Diabetes.

For more information about diabetes or to find an EXPO in your area, call (800) DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org/expo.