NEGAUNEE — The 16th annual Swim Teal Lake for Diabetes comes to the shores of Teal Lake in Negaunee Saturday, July 27. The long swim ends at Al Quaal Beach in Ishpeming.

Events include:

— the Short and Sweet (1/2 mile) swim is open to all ages and takes off at 8:30 a.m.

— the recreational long distance swim (2 1/2 miles) leaves the shore at 9 a.m.

Advanced swimmers hit the water at 9:30 a.m.

Register online at www.teallakeswim.com. A minimum donation of $20 per person for the Short and Sweet Swim and $75 per person for the long distance swim is requested. Swimmers are encouraged to seek sponsors for their swim; this year, the major sponsor for the Swim, West End Health Foundation, will match swimmer donations up to $20,000 this year.

Not a swimmer? You can still support the swim and U.P. programs to address diabetes prevention, detection, care and support by:

— Bringing your kayak and helping to keep the swimmers safe as they swim across Teal Lake.

— Buying or selling raffle tickets (or donating a prize for the raffle).

— Helping to sponsor a swimmer.

Headed by Dr. Mike Grossman, the swim supports diabetes projects across the U.P. A couple of the programs the proceeds from this years swim will help support include the third annual Type 1 Diabetes Forum on Nov. 2. Olympic Swimmer Gary Hall Jr. and pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Wood will be the key note speakers, and services to make certain that all people with type 1 diabetes have access to affordable insulin.

An estimated 5% of the people living with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is not linked to lifestyle like being overweight, eating certain foods and not being active, can not be prevented and can not be cured. Everyone living with type 1 diabetes must use insulin everyday to live. The cost of insulin for those who are underinsured or uninsured has become difficult to afford for many people living with type 1 diabetes.

The U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network, a program partner of UPCAP, has been serving the U.P. since 1985. For more information about the Swim or diabetes, contact UPDON at 906.273.1120 or cambensyk@upcap.org.