Today is the 25th Annual American Diabetes Association Alert Day, a day where the American public is encouraged to take the Diabetes Risk Test to determine if they’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Dubbed as a “silent killer,” type 2 diabetes often causes no symptoms. In fact, out of the 26 million Americans who have type 2 diabetes, nearly seven million of them are unaware that they have the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). An additional whopping 79 million, or one in three American adults, have prediabetes, putting them at a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
For those who do have symptoms, they may experience frequent urination, urinary incontinence, blurred vision, and increased hunger or thirst. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications, such as heart disease, blindness, and kidney disease.
Although type 2 diabetes is a growing epidemic, the disease can be controlled through simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity, losing weight, and eating healthy. Understanding the risk factors, such as being overweight, over the age of 45, and having a family history of the disease, can also guide people into the right direction of preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.
Be a part of Alert Day by taking the Diabetes Risk Test and encouraging friends and loved ones to be aware of their own risks. Early diagnosis and intervention is crucial in delaying or preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes. For more information on type 2 diabetes and what you can do to reduce your risks, please visit the ADA website.
