AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION ALERT DAY
American Diabetes Association Alert Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March. This one-day “wake-up call” informs the American public about the seriousness of diabetes and encourages all to take the diabetes risk test and learn about your family’s history of diabetes.
#AmericanDiabetesAssociationAlertDay
Diabetes Facts:
- Diabetes impacts approximately 34.2 million Americans. That’s about 10.5 percent of the U.S. population.
- Of those living with diabetes, 7.3 million – 1 in 7 adults – don’t know they have it.
- The risk of developing diabetes increases with age. But there are other factors, too. Ethnic background may increase your risk.
- An additional 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year.
There are two types of diabetes. While Type 1 diabetes is not as preventable, it can be managed well with insulin injections. Managing Type 1 diabetes might also require frequent blood sugar monitoring, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Education is key to learning how to manage symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. However, type 2 is much more preventable, and some actions can be taken.
Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes:
- Eliminate sugar and refined carbs
- Work out regularly and avoid a sedentary lifestyle
- Make water the primary beverage
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Eat a high fiber diet
- Optimize Vitamin D levels
- Take natural herbs, such as curcumin and berberine, that increase insulin sensitivity
Type 2 diabetes is not preventable for everyone. However, making healthy choices provides the best chance of not getting it. In the United States, 9 out of every 10 cases of diabetes can be avoided if the above lifestyle changes are implemented. Families, schools, workplaces, communities, and healthcare providers can all work together to make healthy choices easier.
The observance encourages you to discover if you or your loved ones are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Consider taking this fast and easy Diabetes Risk Test.
HOW TO OBSERVE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION ALERT DAY
- Learn your risk factors.
- Speak with your doctor and have your blood sugars tested.
- Families, we’ve included a downloadable nutrition color page you can print off to use at home when teaching your children about diabetes or nutrition in general.
- Use #AmericanDiabetesAssociationAlertDay to post on social media to share the news about the opportunities all have to check and manage their health risks.
AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION ALERT DAY HISTORY
The American Diabetes Association created Alert Day as part of its awareness programs in 1986. It has been a part of their growing diabetes education and prevention efforts in the United States ever since.
Diabetes FAQ
Q. How do I know if I have type I or type II diabetes?
A. Your doctor will conduct tests to determine the type of diabetes you have.
Q. Who should participate on this day?
A. Everyone should be aware of their risk factors and take action to improve their health. This awareness day is one of many reminders of the ways our lifestyles can impact our health.