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23RD ANNUAL AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION ALERT
DAY 2011
~ An Estimated 57
Million, or One in Five Americans, Have Pre-Diabetes
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March 2011
Washington, D.C. -- Diabetes
is a serious disease that strikes nearly 24 million
children and adults in the United States. An additional
57 million, or one in five Americans, have prediabetes,
which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is called a "silent killer" because nearly
one-fourth of those with the disease, or 5.7 million,
do not know they have it. For many, diagnosis may come
seven to ten years after the onset of the disease. Therefore,
early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment
and delaying or preventing some of its complications
such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke,
amputation and death.
American Diabetes Association
Alert Day, which is held every fourth Tuesday in March,
is a one-day "wake-up" call asking the American public
to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are
at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. At the end of
2010, the American Diabetes Association surpassed its
goal of inspiring one million Americans to be a part
of the Stop Diabetes® movement. To continue this momentum,
the Association is asking the public to "Join the Million
Challenge" by rallying one million people to take the
Diabetes Risk Test and finding out if they are at risk
for developing type 2 diabetes beginning on Diabetes
Alert Day on March 22, 2011.
Everyone should be aware of
the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. People who are
overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle)
and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at
risk for the disease. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos,
Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders
and people who have a family history of the disease
also are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Studies
have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or
delayed by losing just 7% of body weight, such as 15
pounds if you weigh 200 pounds, through physical activity
30 minutes a day, five days a week and healthy eating.
The Diabetes Risk Test asks
users to answer simple questions about weight, age,
family history and other potential risks for prediabetes
or type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test shows users
whether they are at low, moderate or high risk for type
2 diabetes. If an individual is at high risk, he or
she is encouraged to talk with their health care provider.
The mission of the American Diabetes Association is
to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives
of all people affected by diabetes. For more information,
call 1-800-DIABETES or visit www.stopdiabetes.com.
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