(AllHipHop News) According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), every 17 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with some form of diabetes.

Even more startling, projections from the (ADA) say that by the year 2050, 1 in 3 Americans will suffer from the potentially fatal disease that costs our country over $200 billion each year.

But fear not Hip-Hop fans, ordained Pentecostal minister and avid family man, Rev Run is doing his part to spread awareness about diabetes by taking part in speaking engagements similar to last Sunday’s Detroit Greater Grace Temple Church sermon.

Sponsored by the multi-billion dollar Danish pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk, Rev Run has been hitting the road to spread the word  via the “Ask.Screen.Know.” campaign.

Rev Run is looking to tackle the disease that seems to have had a greater impact on African-Americans than other ethnicities and that impacted his own life as Rev Run’s father also battled diabetes .

“Life has given me this opportunity – to educate and empower people at risk for diabetes to get screened.” Rev Run said on the Novo Nordisk website.  “Just the thought of diabetes can make me nervous. But I know I can’t ignore it. And knowledge is power. That’s why I’ve talked to my doctor about my risk for diabetes.”

According to the Office of Minority Health, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, African-Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as non-Hispanic whites.

In addition, they are more likely to suffer complications from diabetes, such as end-stage renal disease and lower extremity amputations.

Although African-Americans have the same or lower rate of high cholesterol as their non-Hispanic white counterparts, they are more likely to have high blood pressure.

“If you don’t get screened, you don’t know. What you don’t know, you cannot fix,” Rev Run told The Detroit News.

Take a look at Rev Run’s  message to fans and those at risk of facing diabetes below, and for more information visit: Ask.Screen.Know.com

ASK

At this stage in my life, I had to ask myself the tough questions about diabetes. My dad had it, and, just like millions of Americans, I’m at risk for the disease. I am the man I am today because of my dad. He inspired my music, he inspired me to be a better father, and his fight with diabetes inspired me to take responsibility for my health. That’s why I’m working with Novo Nordisk on theAsk.Screen.Know. campaign. I’m asking people to be accountable for their health — ask the questions, listen up, and take action.

Life has given me this opportunity – to educate and empower people at risk for diabetes to get screened.

Just the thought of diabetes can make me nervous. But I know I can’t ignore it. And knowledge is power. That’s why I’ve talked to my doctor about my risk for diabetes.

You have to know if you’re at risk. And you can’t know if you don’t ask. Take the first step by learning more and getting screened. I know I’m at risk for diabetes and I’m working on it. I’m trying to eat better. I make time to exercise, and I’m doing my best to lose a few pounds.

My kids, my wife, my fans, and my friends are all watching out for me, too. Knowing that I have their support gives me the strength and motivation to take responsibility for my health.

Now that I know, I can continue on a path to better health.