June 30 (HealthDay News) -- The syndicated comic strip "Baldo" will feature a storyline on diabetes in order to boost awareness about prevention and treatment of the disease among Hispanics.

The comic strip features a Hispanic teen named Baldo Bermudez. In a series of strips that will begin June 30, Baldo will learn his father has diabetes. The teen will mistakenly believe the worry caused by his antics led to his father's illness. Baldo will offer support to his father to exercise more, and Baldo's sister, Gracie, will encourage the family to eat healthier, according to a news release from the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.

It is hoped that the comic, which is published in Spanish and English and appears in more than 200 newspapers nationally, will encourage readers to call the Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline (1-866-783-2645). English- and Spanish-speaking callers can talk to a health promotion adviser to receive a free bilingual book on diabetes and get answers to questions, including referral to diabetes services in their community.

"The key to taking charge of diabetes in our community is awareness, diagnosis and treatment. That's why we are so proud to partner with the Alliance to get the word out on diabetes and what we can all do for good health," Baldo co-creator Hector Cantu said in the news release.

SOURCE: National Alliance for Hispanic Health, news release, June 30, 2009