AMERICAN DIABETES ALERT DAY

Tuesday, March 27th, is the 19th Annual American Diabetes Alert Day. The ADA is issuing a one-day "wake-up" call encouraging diabetics (I am one) to inform their family, friends, co-workers, whomever, about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when diabetes is left undiagnosed or untreated. Since I will be on vacation that day, I am passing on the Alert today.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sixty million Americans are unaware they have diabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
WHO'S AT RISK?Your risk for type 2 diabetes increases as you get older, gain too much weight, or if you do not stay active. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

• Having high blood pressure (at or above 130/80)


• Having a family history of diabetes


• Having Diabetes during pregnancy or having a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Take the test that appears on the ADA website http://www.diabetes.org

Take the American Diabetes Risk Test and if you score high, schedule an appointment to see your doctor. This test is available on the site in both English and Spanish.

Listen to the American Diabetes Alert podcast that you can find on the ADA website. It is an easy way to learn more about the risks and complications associated with type 2 diabetes especially for busy people on the go. The free podcast is also available on iTunes.

The growth of diabetes in our "fast-food" culture is enormous. Education regarding the growing problem could be a program for your library or your Friends group to help stem the tide in your own community.

Be sure to visit the ADA website. http://www.diabetes.org