Participants in the “Take a Step for Diabetes”walk came out in hordes on Nov. 12 in order to spread awareness of diabetes.

“It [the walk] is a good way to raise awareness,” Chris Pierre, 21, a communication major and participant in the walk said. “The fact all these people came out in this weather just shows how much people care.”

The walk was spearheaded by Harvey Hellerstein, with collaborative efforts from the Student Life office and St. Mary Hospital.

Bucks Future Teachers of America, the Bucks Nursing Club, the Pre-Med Club, the Practical Nursing Students class of ‘14 and the pre-schoolers from the early learning center all participated.

Each participant was given a raffle ticket, a sticker and a blue awareness ribbon pin. The layout for the walk stretched a full mile.

After the walk, participants returned to the Linksz center at Bucks for the free raffle. In order to encourage proper exercise, a few lucky people won a free pedometer for their future walks.

Exercise can improve blood glucose control as well as blood circulation, and it can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Using a series of blood tests and glucose tolerance tests, doctors can predict the likelihood of a person developing diabetes.

Walking is some of the best medicines for diabetes. It shrinks dangerous abdominal fat that raises your risks of diabetes according to prevention.com.

“You have to maintain it, and be educated, you need to stay optimistic and staying active keeps your mind right,” says Rob King, President of the Phi Theta Kappa who had diabetes and joined in walking to help support awareness.

Diane Rice, of the educational enrichment office said, “I came out to support my friends who have diabetes.”

Matt Cipriano, director of student life, credits Hellerstein with the idea to start the walk.

“Hellerstein brought up the idea with an interest in educating students about diabetes,” said Cipriano.

Hellerstein said, “World Diabetes Day 2013 at BCCC was about awareness, walking and was an extremely successful event today, due to the many individuals that supported my original idea and helped see it grow into what took place. I thank you all.”

Diabetes is a dynamic disease. The body either doesn’t produce insulin, (type 1) or cells in the body can’t properly process insulin, (type 2).

St. Mary Hospital also offers a diabetes education center. The center offers comprehensive diabetes education classes. You can find out more about the program and the classes at stmaryhealthcare.org/diabetes.