Tuesday, March 26, 2013, is the 25th Annual American Diabetes Association Alert Day, 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.
Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 26 million Americans including more than 702 thousand people living in Georgia. A quarter of those affected by diabetes are not aware that they have the disease. Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take the steps to Stop Diabetes.
An additional 79 million, or one in three American adults, have prediabetes which means that their blood glucose (sugar) is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Early intervention via lifestyle changes such as weight loss and increased physical activity can help delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association is fighting to Stop Diabetes and takes the opportunity of Alert Day to help identify those who are undiagnosed and those at risk for type 2 diabetes, by educating people about diabetes risk factors and warning signs.
Unfortunately, diagnosis often comes seven to 10 years after the onset of the disease, after disabling and even deadly complications have had time to develop. 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.
“Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing just 7 percent of body weight (such as 15 pounds if you weigh 200) through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating,” said Dave Smith, Community Leadership Board Chairman. “The American Diabetes Association hopes that this Alert Day will encourage people to take the Diabetes Risk Test and share it with their loved ones. By understanding your risk, you can take the necessary steps to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.”
To help people better recognize their own risk for type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association provides the Diabetes Risk Test, asking users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Preventative tips are provided for everyone who takes the test, including encouraging those at high risk to talk with their health care provider. You can be part of the movement to Stop Diabetes and get your free Diabetes Risk Test (English or Spanish) by visiting us on Facebook, stopdiabetes.com or by calling 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). For every Diabetes Risk Test taken, Boar's Head® – a leading provider of premium delicatessen products – will donate $5 to the American Diabetes Association starting March 26 through April 9, 2013, up to $50,000. Although Alert Day is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available year-round.
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 for developing the disease.
FREE written risk tests are scheduled at the following location on March 26, 2013:
• Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists from 9am-5pm (110 Hill Pond Lane, Statesboro)
FREE risk tests and blood glucose screenings are scheduled at the following locations on March 26, 2013:
• Walker Pharmacy from 8:30am-12:30pm (202 Northside Drive W, Statesboro)
• Walker Pharmacy & Boutique from 8:30am-12:30pm (1198 Merchants Way, Statesboro)
• Brooklet Drug from 8:30am-12:30pm (114 B Parker Ave, Brooklet)
FREE risk tests, blood glucose and blood pressure screenings are scheduled at the following location on March 26, 2013:
• GSU Health Services from 11am-2pm (GSU Campus – Russell Union Building, Statesboro)
For more accurate results, refrain from eating two hours before being tested. Only consume water or a diet drink.
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure, and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.