Diabetes Alert Day, which will be observed on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, is a one-day wake-up call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when diabetes is left undiagnosed or untreated. In support of this observance, the NDEP (National Diabetes Education Program) and its partners will conduct outreach to inform people about the seriousness of diabetes, risk factors for diabetes (with an emphasis on family history and history of gestational diabetes), and encourage people to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes by taking the Diabetes Risk Test.  

Could you have diabetes and not know it? One in four Americans with diabetes has it and doesn’t know it. Take this test to see if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes, You Could Be at Risk

Diabetes, You Could Be at Risk (Spanish)

·         If you are at high risk for type 2 diabetes, talk with your health care provider and find out what you can do to lower your risk for developing the disease.

·         The good news is that people can delay or prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes, such as losing a modest amount of weight (if overweight) by being more physically active, and making healthy food choices.

·         There are a number of factors that increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, such as having a family history of diabetes or having diabetes during pregnancy. If you have a mother, father, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes, you are at increased risk for diabetes. Take steps now to lower your risk.

·         Other risk factors include being overweight, being physically inactive, having diabetes during pregnancy, and being over the age of 45. Diabetes is also more common in African Americans, those of African Ancestry, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders.

·         While there are some risk factors that you cannot change, such as family history and age, there are risk factors associated with your lifestyle that you CAN change, such as being more physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.

·         You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by making important changes, such as losing a small amount of weight – 5 to 7 percent (10 to 14 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) – and becoming more physically active. Make a plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes, such as:

o     Making healthy food choices such as fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, poultry without skin, dry beans and peas, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.

o     Choosing water to drink.

o     Eating smaller portions. Make half your plate vegetables and/or fruit; one-fourth a whole grain, such as brown rice; and one-fourth a protein food, such as lean meat, poultry or fish, or dried beans.

o     Being active at least 30 minutes, 5 days per week to help burn calories and lose weight. You do not have to get all your physical activity at one time. Try getting some physical activity during the day in 10 minute sessions, 3 times a day. Choose something you enjoy. Ask family members to be active with you.

o     Writing down all the foods you eat and drink and the number of minutes you are active. Review it every day. This will help you reach your goals. NDEP’s GAME PLAN also can help. Download it today at www.YourDiabetesInfo.org.

·         Call 1-888-693-NDEP (6337) or visit www.YourDiabetesInfo.org for free resources on how to prevent diabetes.

Managing Diabetes Podcast - Episode 1

Listen to David and his wife Kay (from Fishers, IN) discuss the “rules of the game” and his strategies for managing diabetes.

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