Alert
American Diabetes Alert Day
March 25, 2008

The American Diabetes Association sponsors this day, which is the fourth Tuesday in March.  It encourages people to find out of they are at risk to having or developing diabetes by taking a diabetes risk test.

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Nearly 21 million Americans have diabetes, and at least 54 million people over age 20 have pre-diabetes. Whether you just found out you have diabetes or have been dealing with it for years, you can control your diabetes and live a long, active life.  If you are at risk or have pre-diabetes, you can take small steps to prevent the disease.

Could you have diabetes and not know it? Take the Diabetes Risk Test

• Are over 40 years old
• Have a family member with diabetes
• Are overweight
• Do not exercise
• Have high blood pressure
• Are a woman who had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth or had diabetes during pregnancy
• Are African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander

 For more information about diabetes or local screening sites:  

• Central Ohio Diabetes Association http://www.diabetesohio.org
• National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) at 1-800-438-5383 or visit www.ndep.nih.gov
• American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org

CPH Related Programs and Services:

Office of Minority Health - Diabetes Screening

Sources: American Diabetes Association and National Diabetes Education Program, a joint program of the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention