The second annual campus Diabetes Awareness Fair will be held today to inform the UA community about the effects of diabetes.

The fair, which will be at the Henry Koffler building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is sponsored by the College of Science Staff Advisory Council.

It is a prelude to the national American Diabetes Association's Walk for Diabetes, which is scheduled take place Oct. 3.

"Our principle here is to educate people," said Mary A. Carter, assistant manager of academic services in the chemistry department.

"(Diabetes) is not just about not eating sugar. There are different types of diabetes and people don't understand this," said Carter, the former chair of the council sponsoring the fair.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 18.2 million Americans have diabetes today, but 5.2 million, or one-third of them, do not know it.

Every year, more Americans die from diabetes than from AIDS and breast cancer combined, according to the ADA.

Carter said educating people about diabetes is a key factor in diabetes prevention and the proper treatment of the various diseases.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes results when the body fails to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, occurs when the body does not use insulin properly.

Two of the main causes of diabetes are obesity and a lack of exercise, according to the ADA.

Carter explained that diabetes is at epidemic proportions on Yaqui and Pima Indian reservations because of obesity there.

Complications from diabetes include blindness, loss of limbs, poor circulation and death.

"By not paying attention to it, it's a big deal," Carter said.

Much of the diabetes research from various departments has been conducted by students, faculty and staff, said Nadine Gruhn, assistant staff scientist in the chemistry department.

Departments include Mexican American studies, microbiology, physiology and chemistry.

Wild Oats Market will distribute healthy snacks at the fair today, and Campus Health will administer risk assessment tests for diabetes.

Posters with diabetes-related research conducted by various UA departments will be on display to help educate spectators about the types and side effects of diabetes.

UA students, faculty, staff and others who have joined a UA team for the diabetes walk in October will receive a T-shirt with a $25 donation.

There will also be a drawing for the chance to win a Bushnell telescope, a Fisher Slim radio, or a Samsonite 3-piece luggage set.

KWFM 92.9 radio personality Alan Michaels will broadcast live at the fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.