79 million Americans have prediabetes, are you one of them?
Niccole LaDue
| 2 min read
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When is the last time you talked to your doctor about your risk for diabetes? This Tuesday, March 25th is American Diabetes Association Alert Day® and it’s a great day to start.
On this day Americans are urged to assess their risk for diabetes by taking the Diabetes Risk Test. The test only takes about 60 seconds and asks questions about your weight, gender, age and other potential risk factors for prediabetes and diabetes. Following the test, tips are provided based on your risk factors to help you prevent diabetes and encourage you to talk about your risk with your health care provider.
Currently 25.8 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes and 79 million have prediabetes. Many individuals who have prediabetes don’t even know it. According to the CDC, if you have any of the following risk factors, you are at an increased risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes:
- 45 years of age or older.
- Overweight.
- Have a parent with diabetes.
- Have a sister or brother with diabetes.
- Family background is African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
- During pregnancy, developed gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more.
- Physically active less than 3x a week.
So set one minute aside on March 25th to take the test and assess your risk. It could save your life!
Photo Credit: American Diabetes Association
