Diabetes alert day to raise awareness, assess risk

Diabetes has become the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century.  To address the burden of this disease, Pinal County Health Services and the American Diabetes Association are asking the public: “What will you do to Stop Diabetes?  Know your risk.”

During the 22nd annual American Diabetes Association Alert Day on March 23 individuals are encouraged to join the Stop Diabetes movement by taking the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

The Diabetes Risk Test requires users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The risk test will show users whether they are at low, moderate or high risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes.  If they are at high risk, they are encouraged to talk with their health care provider. 

By the numbers

Of the approximately 24 million Americans living with diabetes, nearly 6 million Americans have type 2 diabetes but don’t even know it.  Another 57 million, or one in five Americans, have pre-diabetes, placing them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If current trends continue, one out of three children born today will face a future with diabetes.
 
Are you at risk?

Among the primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes are being overweight, sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a family history of diabetes. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk, as are women who have had babies weighing more than nine pounds at birth. 

Unfortunately, people with type 2 diabetes can live for years without realizing that they have the disease. While people with diabetes can exhibit noticeable symptoms, such as frequent urination, blurred vision and excessive thirst, most people diagnosed with type type 2 diabetes do not show these overt warning signs at the time that they develop the disease. 

Often, type 2 diabetes only becomes evident when people develop one or more of its serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye damage or nerve damage that can lead to amputations. 

Take charge of your health

Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing just 5-7 percent of body weight through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating. Armed with this information, gather your friends, family, loved ones and/or co-workers and take a 30-minute walk and get started with a healthier lifestyle today!

Join the movement to Stop Diabetes and get your free Diabetes Risk Test (English or Spanish), healthy lifestyle tips and more. Call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit stopdiabetes.com. Although Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available all year long.

The Pinal County Public Health Services District-Diabetes Prevention & Education Program offers free monthly diabetes education classes throughout Pinal County. For more information about these events, contact program coordinator Mary Gonzales at 520-866-7687 or 800-231-8499, ext. 7687.

Maricopa resident Keith Monk, himself a diabetic, recently rode in both the Tucson and Phoenix Tour de Cure bicycle rides to benefit diabetes research. The Tucson event featured 28 teams with 300 riders; in Phoenix there were 100 teams and 950 riders. Monk, who expressed his gratitude for donations and pledges he received, rides as part of the local Team Walmart/ Sam’s Club.

Submitted photo