In order to address this burgeoning health crisis, the ADA is issuing an urgent call-to-action for Americans to find out their risk for type 2 diabetes during the 19th annual American Diabetes Alert Day. The numbers are staggering more than six million Americans have diabetes, but don't even know it. While another 54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, placing them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
On American Diabetes Alert Day, held annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, the ADA encourages people who are overweight, physically inactive, and over the age of 45 years to take the American Diabetes Risk Test, which asks seven simple questions about weight, age, lifestyle and family history -- all potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
The agency says people scoring 10 points or more are at a high risk for diabetes and are encouraged to schedule an appointment to see their doctor.
"Today is a day for Americans to take charge of their health. The diabetes epidemic has taken a devastating toll on families and communities across the country," said Larry C. Deeb, MD, President, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association. "But there is hope. Early detection and treatment can help prevent type 2 diabetes or serious complications associated with diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, amputation, and even death. By taking the American Diabetes Risk Test, people can be one step closer to having the information they need to lead a healthier life."
The World Health Organization discriminates the disease into three main forms: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (which occurs during pregnancy).
Type 1 is usually a result of autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin. Type 2 is characterized by tissue-wide insulin resistance and varies widely; it sometimes progresses to loss of beta cell function. Gestational diabetes is similar to type 2 diabetes, being that it involves insulin resistance; the hormones of pregnancy cause insulin resistance in those women genetically predisposed to developing this condition.
Researchers say types 1 and 2 are incurable chronic conditions, but has been able to be treated since insulin became medically available in 1921. Physicians also say the diseases can be managed with a combination of dietary treatments, pills, and, more often than not, insulin supplementation. Gestational diabetes however usually cures itself upon delivery.
Among the primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes are being overweight, sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a family history of diabetes. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk, as are women who have had babies weighing more than nine pounds at birth.
Medical professionals say people with type 2 diabetes can live for years without realizing that they have the disease. However people with diabetes may exhibit noticeable symptoms, they range from frequent urination, blurred vision and excessive thirst. Yet, most people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes do not show these noticeable warning signs at the time that they develop the disease.
According to researchers, type 2 diabetes only becomes evident when people develop one or more of its serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye damage, and nerve damage which can lead to amputations.
