Nearly 34 million people in the US have diabetes, and millions more are undiagnosed, according to the CDC. Another 88 million have prediabetes, more than 84% of whom do not know they have it.
Prediabetes is a health condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, according to the CDC. Prediabetes increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. A blood test is diagnosed for prediabetes. The CDC recommends talking to your doctor about blood glucose testing if you have risk factors for prediabetes:
– Be 45 years or older
– Have parents or siblings with type 2 diabetes
– You are physically active less than three times a week
– Have you ever had diabetes while pregnant or had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
– With polycystic ovarian syndrome
Race and ethnicity also play a role: African American, Hispanic / Latino American, American Indian, Pacific Islander, and some Asian Americans are at higher risk.
If you have prediabetes, a small amount of weight loss if you are overweight and exercise regularly can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Alert Day, sponsored by the American Diabetes Association, is held every March on and around the fourth Tuesday. This year it’s March 23rd. It’s a “wake-up call” asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if there is a risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
As the condition increases in large numbers each year, the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and local Lions and Lioness clubs are promoting Diabetes Alert Day across Wisconsin. The Cottage Grove Lions Club is participating in this event.
The Cottage Grove Lions are sponsoring an information booth at Piggly Wiggly in Cottage Grove on Tuesday, March 23rd from 2pm to 6pm. Information about your risk of developing diabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes will be available. You can also do the diabetes risk test at www.diabetes.org/risk-test. If you find you are at risk, discuss diabetes prevention with your doctor.
