Since then, thousands of Canadians have been making a change in their life and the lives of people living with diabetes by walking, running or biking with Team Diabetes.

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2010, Team Diabetes is the national activity fundraising program of the Canadian Diabetes Association. The program promotes a healthy and active lifestyle where people of all fitness levels have the opportunity to walk or run a full or half marathon or shorter distance race in exciting Canadian and international locations. Additional opportunities include hiking, mountain biking and cycling.

"Team Diabetes has a lot to celebrate in the upcoming year," said Fred DeFina, director. "I am proud to be part of a program that has grown from one team of 25 to over 4,000 participants and volunteers who enthusiastically dedicate themselves to setting positive examples in their community."

Official anniversary celebrations take place in May at the Ottawa and Calgary marathons. There is also time to join teams travelling to the Rio de Janeiro Marathon in June and the Reykjavik Marathon in August.

Other 2010 event offerings include hiking the Grand Canyon and up two Costa Rican volcanoes as well as two long distance cycling events in the United States and two 24 hour adventure mountain biking events in Ontario.

You don't have to be an athlete to join. Team Diabetes prepares you for the physical challenge and provides the support needed to achieve fundraising and training goals. For details visit teamdiabetes.ca or 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).