Type 2 diabetes gets the much needed attention on the annual American Diabetes Association Alert Day.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and accounts for about 90 percent of all diabetes cases. The disease affects about 30 million Americans and many of them are also not aware that they have the disease. About 86 million Americans have prediabetes, which means their blood sugar level is higher than normal.
March 24 marked the Diabetes Alert Day, which raises awareness about diabetes among Americans and encourages individuals to get themselves tested for the disease. The Alert Day is also encouraging people to take a simple type 2 diabetes test online.
"Awareness is crucial in the effort to Stop Diabetes," says David Marrero, President, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association. "We're asking the public to Take It. Share It. Step Out. Take one minute to take the risk test today, share it with your loved ones and get started getting active by getting involved in your local Step Out event."
Marrero suggests that the risk test for diabetes is the first step for people to understand their risk to the disease. The Diabetic Risk Test needs users to answer simple questions such as age, weight, family history of the disease and possible risk factors.
Individual results are put as a numerical score, which indicates low to high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Individuals who are at an elevated risk of developing the disease are also encouraged to meet their healthcare providers to discuss ways of reducing the risks.
Many people may acquire the disease genetically, while others may develop the disease due to unhealthy eating habits. However, there are ways to reduce the risks and delay the onset of the disease. The annual Alert Day is one of the important measures that raises awareness about diabetics and encourages people to get tested.
Type 2 diabetes can have serious health implications and can also lead to other medical conditions such as obesity, several types of cancers and more. Latest projections suggest that one in three Americans will be diabetic by 2050, unless appropriate measures are taken to restrict the disease.
While the Alert Day awareness campaign has started on March 24, it will run through to April 21. The Diabetic Risk Test is also available throughout the year for people to get tested.
Photo: Alden Chadwick | Flickr
