Over 80,000 people around Australia will 'step out' to raise money for diabetes research, when they participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's "Walk to Cure Diabetes" on Sunday 17 October.

Last year's Walk To Cure Diabetes, raised a record $2.6 million for Australian diabetes research. JDRF hopes to do even better this year, setting a target of $2.8 million.

Walks will be held at:

• SYDNEY: Centennial Park (10am start)
• MELBOURNE: Albert Park Lake (10.30am start)
• CANBERRA: National Library Lawns, Commonwealth Park (10am start)
• BRISBANE: Victoria Park, Herston (9am start)
• ADELAIDE: Wigley Reserve, Glenelg (10.30am start)
• PERTH: Burswood Park (10am start)

The Walk To Cure Diabetes is supported by Australia Post, IBM, Ford, Boral, Optus, Spotless and Westpac.

Every dollar raised by JDRF in Australia attracts an additional $3 of international support for medical research. JDRF invests around $10 million in Australian diabetes research each year.

While usually diagnosed in children, juvenile (or type 1) diabetes can also occur in adults. The disease affects more than 140,000 Australians, with around 5 more people diagnosed every day. Australia has one of the highest rates of type 1 diabetes in the world. Many people believe that insulin is a cure, but while insulin allows a person to stay alive, it does not cure diabetes nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating effects.

"There are many misconceptions about diabetes in the community," said Sheila Royles, Chief Executive Officer of JDRF.

"Unlike the more common type 2 diabetes, type 1 can't be prevented and has nothing to do with diet and lifestyle. We're working to find a cure so people with the disease no longer have to worry about developing debilitating complications like heart disease, kidney failure, amputations and vision impairment."

For further information: Rachel McConaghy - 0421 762 140.