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The American Diabetes Association announces two new Public Service Announcements (PSAs) through its CheckUp America initiative. These PSAs, “Weigh the Risks” and “Demonstration”, encourage the public to take the Diabetes Risk Test or talk with a health care provider to see if they are at risk for type 2 diabetes. CheckUp America is the Association’s initiative to help people lower their risk for type 2 diabetes.

The PSAs (available in English and Spanish) inspire viewers to make healthy lifestyle changes, and show the incentives for staying healthy. “With nearly 79 million American adults at risk for type 2 diabetes, the new prevention PSAs are important because they will create greater awareness about the risk for type 2 diabetes,” said Larry Hausner, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, American Diabetes Association.

“Finding out if you are at risk for diabetes is free and takes less than 60 seconds,” Hausner adds. “Once people know their risk, they can act early to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and its deadly complications.”

Since 2007, the Association has been producing television, radio and print PSAs highlighting the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Research shows that since that time, Americans are more aware of their blood glucose (sugar) levels, and are getting them checked annually. Unfortunately, half of those at risk are not taking steps to lose weight, which is the single greatest modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes. 

According to Nielsen ratings, the Association’s PSAs have been viewed nearly 3.5 billion times and consistently rank in the top 5 percent of PSAs played in the U.S. during their launch year.

Research shows you can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes by 58 percent if you lose 7 percent of your body weight (15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) and exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week (this can include a brisk walk). 

Checkup America is supported in part by Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Walgreens.