Sound the alert – are you or a loved one at risk for diabetes?
February 27th, 2009 by BBPH- 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes
- Nearly one-quarter of those do not know they have diabetes
- One in five Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes
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.
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.
On Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 24, 2009, the American Diabetes Association will “Sound the Alert” about the dangers of diabetes. Take the Diabetes Risk Test @ www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp to evaluate your risk for diabetes. If you are at high risk you are encouraged to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Blood glucose screening is available at Bismarck Burleigh Public Health for $6.
