Recent reports show that in the Houston area, over 7% of the population has diabetes. Elizabeth J. Mayer-Davis, MSPH, PhD, RD, President of
Health Care and Education for the American Diabetes Association discussed how to know if you are at risk and why you should get tested.
23RD ANNUAL AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION ALERT DAY 2011
Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States. An additional 57 million, or one in five Americans, have prediabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is called a “silent killer” because nearly one-fourth of those with the disease, or 5.7 million, do not know they have it. For many, diagnosis may come seven to ten years after the onset of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death. American Diabetes Association Alert Day, which is held every fourth Tuesday in March, is a one-day “wake-up” call asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. At the end of 2010, the American Diabetes Association surpassed its goal of inspiring one million Americans to be a part of the Stop Diabetes® movement. To continue this momentum, the Association is asking the public to “Join the Million Challenge” by rallying one million people to take the Diabetes Risk Test and finding out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes beginning on Diabetes Alert Day on March 22, 2011. Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for the disease. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and people who have a family history of the disease also are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing just 7% of body weight, such as 15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds, through physical activity 30 minutes a day, five days a week and healthy eating. The Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test shows users whether they are at low, moderate or high risk for type 2 diabetes. If an individual is at high risk, he or she is encouraged to talk with their health care provider. The mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, call 1-800-DIABETES or visit http://www.stopdiabetes.com.
