The American Diabetes Association has introduced ClubPed, an online tool designed to encourage regular physical activity. Results from the Diabetes Prevention Program study demonstrated that people who lost as little as 10 to 15 pounds and exercised 30 minutes a day at least five times a week reduced their risk of developing diabetes by almost 60 percent during the course of the study. Staying active helps manage the disease and reduce complications.

Visitors to ClubPed, www.diabetes.org/clubped, are asked to set a realistic walking goal. Choices include walking a certain number of steps each week, walking three times each week, or walking a certain number of steps by a predetermined date. Participants can walk individually or in groups.

Once personal walking goals begin to be met, one of two rewards is offered:

The Evolving Story. Participants pick one of three serialized stories -- a mystery, a romance or an action/adventure tale -- as their reward. A chapter becomes available each time a participant reaches a goal. Each story contains 10-13 segments and all have a cliff-hanger appeal, providing extra motivation to keep walking.

The Virtual Dog. A pet that participants take care of by taking care of themselves. The more participants walk, the happier and healthier the dog becomes. The more goals achieved, the more tricks the dog learns.

ClubPed also offers a message board and graphs that chart and illustrate individual progress.