Diabetes Basics

What is CheckUp America?
CheckUp America is an American Diabetes Association program working to help people lower their risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

What About My Risk?
There are many things, called risk factors, that affect your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Some of these you can change, like whether or not you smoke, and some you can't, like your age. It's important to know where you stand in your risk for diabetes and heart disease. Once you know your risk you can take steps to lower your risk, so you can lead a longer, healthier life.

Either way, understanding and managing your risk can help you prevent diabetes and heart disease and live a longer, better life.

Risk factors include:

• Overweight
• High blood glucose(sugar)
• History of diabetes during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes (for women)
• High blood pressure
• Unhealthy Cholesterol
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
• Unhealthy eating
• Age, race, gender and family history

Know Your Risk.
Your first step is to know your risk. Take our Diabetes Risk Test, use My Health Advisor, or visit your health care provider and ask about your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Most of us have risk factors that raise our risk for these deadly diseases. And for many of the risk factors, there are things we can do to lower our risk.

Are You Ready to Change?
Making a few small changes to eat healthier and be more active can have a big effect on your health. Going slowly raises your chances of being able to stick with your changes. Learn how to get started.