Considering that there are 7 million undiagnosed diabetics in the United States and about 1.9 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed each year, it's likely that someone you know has the disease. In fact, you or a family member could be at risk for developing diabetes.
One in three American adults are at an increased risk for the disease, and of the close to 26 million Americans with diabetes, a full 25 percent don't even know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This spring, the American Diabetes Association is trying to make Americans more aware of the disease. The ADA has devised a Diabetes Risk Test that lets users calculate their chances for getting Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. The ADA is inviting Americans to "Join the Million Challenge" by taking the simple test to see if they're in the group that may be at risk for developing the disease.
"We are trying to get a million people to take the risk test," says Colleen Fogarty, spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association. "The test is new this year, and it could potentially save your life. If you find out that you are at risk and see your doctor, treatment can be started earlier."
It's been shown that Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or even prevented if an individual loses just 7 percent of his body weight through exercise and a healthy diet. (A 200-pound person would need to lose 15 pounds.).
The "Join the Million Challenge" program can also help concerned family members find out if loved ones may be at risk. If they learn that they are indeed headed down a path that leads to diabetes, just finding out that they may soon be facing down a life-threatening disease could be enough to motivate them to make lifestyle changes.
"We encourage people to take walks, bike ride, and get some exercise," Fogarty says. "This is not just a one-day push."
People can take the Diabetes Risk Test in one of several ways:
visit www.stopdiabetes.com
call 1-800-DIABETES
text JOIN to 69866 (standard data and message rates are in affect.)
The test asks users simple questions about their age, weight, family history, and other risk factors. If the test bears out that they are indeed high risk, the individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their health care providers.
"The website is very interactive," says Fogarty. "We want to get people involved, and interested in sharing their stories. We hope to get a million people to take the risk test."
As she points out, it's a challenge that takes but a few minutes, but it could save your life or the life of someone you love.
Sources:
"Are you ready for a challenge?" American Diabetes Association. 23 March 2011. Medical News Today.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219928.php
"Diabetes Statistics" American Diabetes Association.
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/
Diabetes Risk Test. American Diabetes Association.
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/prevention/diabetes-risk-test/
