Do You Know Your Risk for Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is becoming an epidemic in this country. One in five adults in the U.S. is at risk for developing the condition. Approximately 25 percent of those with diabetes are unaware they are diabetic. Children are now showing signs of type 2 diabetes, which used to be known as “adult-onset” diabetes.

To bring attention to this important health condition, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is observing the 21st annual American Diabetes Alert Day on Tuesday, March 24.

The purpose of an alert day is to spread the word about diabetes and encourage people to take the Diabetes Risk Test to discover their odds for developing type 2 diabetes. You can take the test here. After plugging in basic information like your age, activity level, and measurements, you receive your risk level (either low, moderate, or high) and an explanation of your individual risk factors. Those who have a high risk should contact their doctor.

You have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if any of these statements are true:
• You are age 45 and older.
• You are overweight.
• You lead a fairly inactive lifestyle.
• You have a family history of diabetes.
• You are African-American, Latino, or Native American.

According to the ADA, the average diagnosis of type 2 diabetes doesn’t come until seven to 10 years after the on-set of the disease. Early diagnosis is key in order to prevent complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, and amputation.