American Diabetes Alert Day is observed on the fourth Tuesday of every March. The American Diabetes Association recognizes today, American Diabetes Alert Day, as a one-day, “wake-up” call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes.
In the United States, nearly 21 million children and adults have diabetes. One third of those 21 million do not know they have this disease. For many, diagnosis may come seven to 10 years after the onset of the disease. Early diagnosis is critical. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can begin and possibly delay or prevent some complications associated with diabetes such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.
One in five Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, which is why everyone should be aware of the risk factors.
Some common risk factors include people who are: Overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over age 45. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and people who have a family history of the disease are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
As the percentage of people who are overweight or obese has increased so has the percentage of people who are being diagnosed with diabetes. Simple lifestyle changes can help to reduce your risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. Incorporating physical activity is important. Walking, running and biking are just a few ways to help you shed some extra pounds. Changing eating habits will also help. Eating breakfast will help you snack less often and help prevent overeating throughout the day. Exchanging a piece of chocolate for a piece of fruit for an afternoon snack and incorporating fruits and vegetables at every meal will help you manage your weight. These small changes can have an important impact on your health.
The American Diabetes Association encourages people to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing diabetes. You can visit the American Diabetes Association's Web site at http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp to take the test.
The test includes seven yes or no questions related to weight, age, lifestyle and family history. Your answers to those questions will determine your points. If your points add up to a score of more than 10, you are considered at high risk for having diabetes. If your score falls in the 3-9 point range, you are considered at low risk for having diabetes now.
The test also includes an at-risk weight chart to assess your risk. If you take the test and are concerned about your score, you should call your physician to discuss your risk and what actions you should be taking to help prevent or reduce your risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. You can contact the American Diabetes Association at (800) DIABETES or (800) 342-2383 for more information.
Locally for more information on upcoming events,
contact Suzanne Hai of the Cayuga County Diabetes
Prevention Partnership at 252-4212.
Elane Daly is director of health and human services for Cayuga County. She can be reached at 253-1560 or cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us
One in five Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, which is why everyone should be aware of the risk factors.
Some common risk factors include people who are: Overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over age 45. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and people who have a family history of the disease are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
As the percentage of people who are overweight or obese has increased so has the percentage of people who are being diagnosed with diabetes. Simple lifestyle changes can help to reduce your risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. Incorporating physical activity is important. Walking, running and biking are just a few ways to help you shed some extra pounds. Changing eating habits will also help. Eating breakfast will help you snack less often and help prevent overeating throughout the day. Exchanging a piece of chocolate for a piece of fruit for an afternoon snack and incorporating fruits and vegetables at every meal will help you manage your weight. These small changes can have an important impact on your health.
The American Diabetes Association encourages people to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing diabetes. You can visit the American Diabetes Association's Web site at http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp to take the test.
The test includes seven yes or no questions related to weight, age, lifestyle and family history. Your answers to those questions will determine your points. If your points add up to a score of more than 10, you are considered at high risk for having diabetes. If your score falls in the 3-9 point range, you are considered at low risk for having diabetes now.
The test also includes an at-risk weight chart to assess your risk. If you take the test and are concerned about your score, you should call your physician to discuss your risk and what actions you should be taking to help prevent or reduce your risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. You can contact the American Diabetes Association at (800) DIABETES or (800) 342-2383 for more information.
Locally for more information on upcoming events,
contact Suzanne Hai of the Cayuga County Diabetes
Prevention Partnership at 252-4212.
Elane Daly is director of health and human services for Cayuga County. She can be reached at 253-1560 or cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us
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