Thank you for making the 21st Annual American Diabetes Alert Day a great success!
The American Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day, “wake-up” call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association encourages people to take the Diabetes Risk Test and find out if they, or their loved ones, are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Observed on the fourth Tuesday of every March, the 21st annual American Diabetes Alert Day was Tuesday, March 24, 2009.
Why is Diabetes Alert Day important?
- 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes
- Nearly one-quarter of those do not know they have diabetes
- One in five Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes
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.
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, Latinos, Native Americans, and people who have a family history of the disease are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
On Diabetes Alert Day, the American Diabetes Association "Sounded the Alert" about the dangers of diabetes. To help people better recognize their own risk for type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association encouraged the public to take the Diabetes Risk Test which requires users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors for diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test shows users whether they are at low, moderate, or high risk for diabetes. If they are at high risk, they are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider. Even if you missed Diabetes Alert Day, you can still take the Diabetes Risk Test.
Other Ways to Get Involved:
Become a Volunteer
Become involved in the fight against diabetes. Register to volunteer with the ADA.
Become a Corporate Supporter
In addition to individual contributions to the ADA, corporate support is another way that ADA furthers its mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
