On Diabetes Alert Day, Take Action - Find Out If You Are At Risk For Type 2 Diabetes Take Just One Step Toward Better Health

Diabetes Alert Day – March 26, 2013 – is a one day wake-up call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when the disease is left undiagnosed or untreated. Diabetes is a serious disease that affects nearly 26 million Americans. At least 1 out of 4 people with diabetes have the disease, but don’t even know it. Another 79 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes, a condition that increases their chances of developing type 2 diabetes. In support of Diabetes Alert Day, the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) wants people to take action to know their risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Throughout the month of March and especially on Diabetes Alert Day, the NDEP is encouraging people to find out if they are at risk for type 2 diabetes by taking the Diabetes Risk Test and talking to their family about their family history of diabetes.If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, amputation, and even death.

Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing a small amount of weight – 5 to 7 percent (10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) – and becoming more active. Action steps include making healthy food choices and being active at least 30 minutes, five days a week.

The NDEP has tools people can use to learn more about their risk for type 2 diabetes and steps they can take to prevent or delay this disease. Visit YourDiabetesInfo.org/AlertDay2013 to find some of the following:

• Diabetes Risk Test. This tool asks simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
• NDEP’s Family Health History Quiz asks four true/false questions to help people better understand their family health history of diabetes
• NDEP’s 4 Questions You Should Ask Your Family about Diabetes and Family Health History offers ways to help you talk with your family about your family’s health history of diabetes.

For more information about preventing type 2 diabetes, visit the NDEP website at YourDiabetesInfo.org.