Tuesday is American Diabetes Association Alert Day

Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes?

American Diabetes Association Alert Day will be held on Tuesday March 26th. This is a one-day, national "wake-up call" asking people to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States, and a quarter of them-seven million-do not even know they have it. An additional 79 million, or one in three American adults, have prediabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.Ā  Twenty-six percent of residents in Broward County - 463,000 people - have prediabetes. Unfortunately, diagnosis often comes seven to 10 years after the onset of the disease, after disabling and even deadly complications have had time to develop.Ā  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.Ā 

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The American Diabetes Association has made a strong commitment to primary prevention of type 2 diabetes by increasing awareness of prediabetes and actively engaging individuals in preventative behaviors like weight loss, physical activity and healthy eating.Ā  Alert Day is a singular moment in time in which we can raise awareness and prompt action among the general public - particularly those at risk.

Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.Ā  People who are overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for the disease.Ā  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.Ā  Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed by losing just 7 percent of body weight (such as 15 pounds if you weigh 200) through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating.Ā  By understanding your risk, you can take the necessary steps to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

For 25 years, the American Diabetes Association has set aside one special day for people to learn if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.Ā  Some major County employers such as Broward County Government, Broward Schools, JM Family Enterprises, American Express, Humana, and NSU are already on board with Alert Day activities. Humana Guidance Center will be open to the public and conducting screenings from 11 am to 1 pm at 7666 Nob Hill Road Tamarac, FL 33321. Nova Southeastern University also will be conducting screenings in the Taft Center and will be open to the public from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. NSU is located at 3301 College Avenue, Fort-Lauderdale-Davie, FL 33314. Walgreen's will offer risk assessments and free diabetes A1C testing for the public at the following locations from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm:

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3015 S. University Dr.

Davie

(954) 475-9222

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1201 S. Federal Hwy.

Ft. Lauderdale

(954) 523-1486

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8790 W. McNab Rd.

Tamarac

(954) 726-6008

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1751 Bonaventure Blvd.

Weston

(954) 385-0014

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13800 Pines Blvd.

Pembroke Pines

(954) 442-3202.

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Ft. Lauderdale

(954) 523-1486

5701 N.W. 183rd St.

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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.Ā  Preventative tips are provided for everyone who takes the test, including encouraging those at high risk to talk with their health care provider.

You can be part of the movement to Stop DiabetesĀ® and get your free Diabetes Risk Test (English or Spanish) by visiting us on Facebook, stopdiabetes.com or by calling 1-888-DIABETES ext. 3011.Ā  Although Alert Day is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available year-round.

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