March 27 is Diabetes Alert Day. The observance created by the American Diabetes Association, is held the last Tuesday in March each year to help raise awareness about the seriousness of diabetes when it is left undiagnosed or untreated.
Diabetes affects approximately 30 million people living in the United States and nearly 1 in 4 is unaware that they have the disease.
Undiagnosed or untreated diabetes can develop into more complicated health conditions that can include kidney damage, heart disease, nerve damage or stroke.
Learning if you are at risk and taking the necessary steps to prevent or treat diabetes can lower your chances of developing serious illnesses that result from the disease.
Some people are more at risk than others. You may be at risk if you:
- Are overweight or obese
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are African American, Asian American, Hispanic, American Indian or Pacific Islander
- Are physically inactive
- Have high blood pressure
- Have abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels
The American Diabetes Association also encourages you to take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test/?loc=alertday.
There are several lifestyle changes you can adopt to lower your risk or take control of your diabetes, they include:
- Getting adequate amounts of fiber in your diet
- Becoming more physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Maintaining a well-balanced diet
- Managing blood pressure levels
- Keeping your cholesterol at a normal level
- Taking medications as prescribed
According to the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Alert Day serves as a one- day “wakeup call”. Use this day as a reminder to speak with your physician about your risk factors and steps you can take to stay healthy.
To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.