Diabetes Alert...Are You At Risk?

Published March 17, 2009

Diabetes has become the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century.  Nearly 6 million Americans have pre-diabetes, placing them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. 

Tuesday, March 24th has been designated by the American Diabetes Association as Diabetes Alert Day.  This day has been set aside to encourage people who are overweight, physically inactive, and over the age of 45 years to take the Diabetes Risk Test.   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 Diabetes Risk Test will show users whether they are at low, moderate or high risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes. 

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, 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 2 diabetes do not show these overt warning signs at the time that they develop the disease.  Often, type 2 diabetes only become 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 the Diabetes Risk Test today.  If you would like to speak to a Certified Diabetes Educator call The Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management at (908) 237-6920.