Diabetes Risk Alert Day
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American Diabetes Association Diabetes Alert
The American Diabetes association holds an annual event to assess people's risk for becoming diabetic. On the fourth Tuesday of March, people can participate by taking a diabetes risk test. The goal of the one-day event is to raise the awareness that diabetes is a serious disease that you could be at risk for and not even know it.
Who is at risk for diabetes?
The risk for becoming diabetic is increased by factors such as aging, weight gain, and inactivity. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Risk factors for diabetes include such things as high blood pressure, family history of diabetes, and having gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
If you think you are at risk for becoming diabetic and would like to understand more about your risk, you can take the diabetes risk test at the American Diabetes Association web site.
Diabetes Symptoms
Most people with diabetes do not notice any symptoms. However if you are experiencing unquenchable thirst, frequent urination or unexplained weight loss, contact your primary care physician immediately.
Diabetes Prevention
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by simple life style changes. The three most important factors in preventing diabetes are: consuming a diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, maintaining a healthy body weight, and participating in some type of daily physical activity.
The State of Diabetes
The diabetes population in the United States continues to grow each year. Estimates have the incidence of diabetes affecting from 100-300 million people over the next decade. The increase in type 2 diabetes has a direct link to the incidence of obesity in the United States. People, who feel they are at risk for type 2 diabetes, should maintain a low fat diet, and participate in daily exercise. Simple life-style changes like this can reduce the chances of becoming diabetic. It is important to consult your primary care doctor prior to starting any new exercise regimen.