MADISON, N.J., March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, today joins the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in recognizing the 24th annual Diabetes Alert Day. This one-day "wake-up call" encourages the public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to learn if they are at risk for developing Type II diabetes, and join the ADA in the fight to Stop Diabetes®.  

"We applaud and thank the American Diabetes Association for its leadership in encouraging people to know their risk for diabetes, and urge Americans to take a minute today to complete the Diabetes Risk Test," said Harvey W. Kaufman, M.D., Senior Corporate Medical Director, Quest Diagnostics, and co-author of a recent study published in the peer-reviewed online journal PLoS ONE, which found that twenty-eight percent of those found to be at high risk for diabetes through their employer's lab-based wellness program were unaware of the health concern. "Diabetes is a condition where knowledge is indeed power, where early detection can make a dramatic difference in patient empowerment and patient health."

Diabetes is a disease that strikes nearly 26 million children and adults in the U.S., and one quarter of those with the disease – 7 million people – do not know they have it.  Seventy-nine million people in the U.S. have prediabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing Type II diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes has a significant impact on quality of life and is a significant driver of health issues, even premature death. Quest Diagnostics is encouraging its more than 40,000 employees and their families to understand their diabetes risk and encourage others to know their risk too.

"Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050 unless we take steps to stop the disease," says Mathieu Nelessen, Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association, New Jersey. "Joining the Stop Diabetes movement, like Quest Diagnostics, is an important step in saying we have the power to manage our health – and change that statistic."

Quest Diagnostics has earned National Business Group on Health 'Best Employer for Healthy Lifestyles' Platinum-level distinction since 2009, thanks to its HealthyQuest employee wellness program. At the heart of HealthyQuest is the company's Blueprint for Wellness service – with its panel of up to 30 laboratory tests, a health-risk assessment survey, a patient-friendly results report, and a health quotient score – which helps individuals identify their risk for health conditions like diabetes and empowers them to take positive action. On April 18, 2012 at 2 p.m. ET, Quest Diagnostics will participate in a webinar sharing the findings of its study in which one in three first-time participants in their employer's lab-based wellness program learned of an unknown chronic condition such as diabetes.

About Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services through its network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at QuestDiagnostics.com. Follow us at Facebook.com/QuestDiagnostics and Twitter.com/QuestDX.

About Diabetes Alert Day

You can be part of the movement to Stop Diabetes® and get your free Diabetes Risk Test (English or Spanish) by visiting us at http://www.diabetes.org/NJ, stopdiabetes.com or by calling 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Although Alert Day is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available year-round. The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Quest Diagnostics Contacts:
Media: Barb Short / Caitlin McHugh, 973-520-2800
Investors: Kathleen Valentine, 973-520-2900

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics