Bret Michaels Named the Face of Diabetes

Bret will serve as the "Face of Diabetes" by helping the Association kick-off the month with various activities and is featured in a public service announcement campaign that he helped produce.

"It is an honor to once again be working with the American Diabetes Association," said Bret. "As someone with type 1 diabetes, I know how difficult it can be to live with this disease and how important it is to raise awareness so that we can eventually put a stop to diabetes. I hope everyone will join me in the movement to Stop Diabetes this November."

"We are so excited to be working with Bret during one of our important awareness campaigns, American Diabetes Month," said Larry Hausner, CEO, American Diabetes Association. "His passion and commitment to the cause and to our movement to Stop Diabetes is crucial in helping us change the future of this deadly disease."

Bret, who has had type 1 diabetes since the age of six, chose the American Diabetes Association as his charity during the spring season of "Celebrity Apprentice." He raised more than $300,000 for the Association and has helped put a face to diabetes by raising critical awareness about the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and management. Since that time, Bret has continued to work with Association volunteers and staff across the country throughout his 2010 tour.

Nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Diabetes contributes to the deaths of more than 230,000 Americans each year. The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is more than $174 billion; further published studies suggest that when additional costs for gestational diabetes, pre-diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes are included, the total diabetes-related costs in the United States could exceed $218 billion.