World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2012, raises global awareness of diabetes and its escalating rates around the world. Native Americans have the highest prevalence of diabetes among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups according to the American Diabetes Association. In some Native communities, more than half of adults aged 18 and older have diagnosed diabetes, with prevalence rates reaching as high as 60 percent, according to the Indian Health Service.

American Indian and Alaska Native health activists participated in the 10th annual PATHSTAR Alcatraz Swim Week, San Francisco, CA (Sept. 30-Oct. 8, 2012), a component of a year-round healthy nutrition and active lifestyle program to combat diabetes and related diseases in Indian Country.