Disease doesn't discriminate, and people of every age, race and gender are afflicted with diabetes. But very few people actually know anything about diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association hopes to raise awareness with its annual fund-raiser, Walktoberfest.

Hundreds of walkers of all ages from Southeast Missouri will gather at Cape County Park North Oct. 5 to raise money for the association. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m.

Last year the event raised $15,000 for research and treatments that could help find a cure for diabetes. Diabetes affects the body's ability to process sugar from food into energy needed for daily life.

If untreated, diabetes can lead to complications like blindness, kidney disease, heart disease and strokes. It is the fourth-leading cause of death by disease in the United States.

This year the American Diabetes Association hopes to raise between $17,000 and $20,000 from the Cape Girardeau walk.

More than 300 cities nationwide also will be participating in the Walktoberfest.

Participants can register in advance or on the day of the event. Prizes will be awarded for the top fund-raisers. Call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-254-WALK for more information.