Diabetes Alert Day 2020

The American Diabetes Association recognizes the fourth Tuesday in March as “Diabetes Alert Day”. The purpose of this designated day is to make the public more aware of the risk factors of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Unfortunately, there are millions of Americans that are undiagnosed with this disease. When one has elevated blood sugars for a long duration of time, which is common in undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes, the likelihood of irreversible complications are increased.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have designed a simple diabetes risk test that can help you identify your risk of developing diabetes. View the diabetes risk test at https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/pdf/Prediabetes-Risk-Test-Final.pdf.

If you score a five (5) or higher, an appointment with a healthcare provider is necessary for further assessment and more definitive laboratory studies.

A yearly health physical is important for everyone, but even more so when a person is at risk for diabetes. Learning how to live a healthier life through lifestyle modifications, in addition to medications for some, is essential to controlling blood sugars. Slowing the progression of this disease is the key to leading a long, high quality life.

Call Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Education for more information at 563-568-3411. Those interested may also visit www.diabetes.org or www.cdc.gov for additional information.