March 25 Is 20th Annual Diabetes Alert Day
Diabetes
has become one of the greatest public health challenges of this
new century. Just as the rates of obesity have skyrocketed, diabetes
rates have skyrocketed too. According to the American Diabetes
Association, 21 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. Of those
21 million over 1/3 or 6 million people are not even aware they
have the disease, and chances are they will not realize they have
the disease until something drastic, such as a heart attack occurs.
It is for this reason that the American Diabetes
Association has declared March 25 American Diabetes Alert Day.
This annual event encourages all those at high risk for diabetes
to take the American Diabetes Risk Test and seek advice and help
from a trusted health care professional.
How do you know if you are at high risk? Some general risk factors
for diabetes include being overweight/obese, physically inactive,
over the age of 45, and a family history of diabetes. In addition
to these general risk factors, African-Americans, Latinos, Native
Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are also at
an increased risk. If you have one or more these risk factors,
the American Diabetes Association encourages you to take the American
Diabetes Risk Test.
The risk test is a simple, one-page test that
asks seven general questions related to specific diabetes-related
risk factors, such as your age, weight, family history, physical
activity level, and even past pregnancy history. If you score
10 points or more, then you are considered to be at high risk
for diabetes, and should see your medical care provider to check
your blood sugar levels. To take the test, visit the American
Diabetes Association’s website at www.diabetes.org.
The test is available in both English and Spanish.
Overt
symptoms of diabetes include excessive urination, thirst, and
hunger. These symptoms often do not present themselves at the
onset of diabetes, and many people may live with diabetes for
years before these overt symptoms occur. As with many diseases,
the earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the better the prognosis and
treatment. So if you are someone who has the general risk factors
listed above and score 10 or more points on the diabetes risk
test, be sure to call your medical care provider today and get
tested for diabetes.
In addition to seeing your doctor if you are
someone who is at risk for diabetes, there are several healthy
lifestyle habits you should include in your life. For instance
it is important that you eat a balanced diet that includes plenty
of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. It
is equally important that you exercise daily for at least 30-60
minutes a day. Having a balanced diet and exercising daily should
help you maintain a healthy weight, which is the most important
thing you can do to prevent diabetes!
Remember that even if your blood sugar levels
are normal and you do not have any risk factors for diabetes,
it is still important to have your blood sugar tested every 3
years after the age of 45. So “sound the alert” and make sure
you are not at risk for diabetes on March 25th, American Diabetes
Alert Day 2008!
Source: American Diabetes Association. (2008)
American Diabetes Alert Day.
Health
Department
City of St. Louis
Health
Department web site
