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 are at risk for developing diabetes. Observed on the fourth Tuesday of every March, the 20th annual American Diabetes Alert Day is Tuesday, March 25, 2008.
Why is Diabetes Alert Day important?
- Nearly 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes
- 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.
What is the Diabetes Risk Test?
On Diabetes Alert Day, the American Diabetes Association will "Sound the Alert" about the dangers of diabetes. People are encouraged to take the Diabetes Risk Test. The risk test requires users to answer seven simple questions about weight, age, lifestyle and family history -- all potential risk factors for diabetes. People scoring 10 points or more are at a high risk for type 2 diabetes and are encouraged to see a health care professional for further evaluation.
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.
American Diabetes Alert Day eMedia Kit and Promotional Materials
