When I was asked by the blogging community to help spread the word about Diabetes Alert Day on March 22nd, I decided to join the cause. It’s a personal mission, since my dad developed type 2 diabetes when he was in his 50s. He passed away more than 25 years ago from complications of diabetes and heart disease.
I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with my daughter A and son D and had to watch my carb intake. Because of my family history, I make sure to get my blood sugar levels checked annually, especially during my life after 50.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 86 million American adults (more than 1 in 3) have prediabetes and are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a serious health condition that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Surprisingly, nearly 90% of those with prediabetes don’t even know that they have it. But prediabetes can be reversed through weight loss, diet changes and increased physical activity. The first step to reversing the condition is to evaluate one’s personal risk so that they can take action as soon as possible.
March 22nd is Diabetes Alert Day
The bad news is that no one is excused from prediabetes. The good news is that if people with prediabetes are aware of their risks, they can take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes. Diagnosis is key: research shows that once people are aware of their condition, they are much more likely to make the necessary lifestyle changes. Education and awareness could mean the difference in so many lives.
Take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test
That’s why this month, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have partnered with the Ad Council to launch the first national public service advertising (PSA) campaign about prediabetes. As part of the campaign, they created the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test. It’s a quick and easy quiz, with 7 questions that can tell you if you’re likely to have prediabetes. Go check it out now. There’s no excuse for not taking care of yourself.
I took the test in under a minute and even with my family background, I came out pretty good. My score was 4 out of 10 – a low risk for diabetes. However, it’s important that I contain to eat a healthy diet and keep physically fit with my yoga practice and cardio workouts. The trends aren’t on my side as the instances of prediabetes increase as we age.
Please pass on this post and encourage your family and friends to take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test. More information is available at doihaveprediabetes.org. Let me know how you do. And of course when you get your results, always talk to your doctor about any wellness concerns.
Happy spring and cheers to good health!
Judi
I have several close friends who were diagnosed with Diabetes in their mid 50’s so it’s very top of mind for me. I just took the test! Thank you for sharing such an informational post, and for the quiz which was so simple.
Claudia, thanks for taking the test. My BFF has diabetes and from my family history, it is a serious disease that boomers need to pay attention to as we age.
This is such an important topic. My cousin had diabetes because she was grossly overweight. She had a gastric bypass and lost loads of weight and now has it under control. The years she did suffer from it, it ruined her kidneys. Thx for sharing this very important information.
Carolann, so glad that your cousin is better now.