Diabetes Alert Day® is today – March 28. Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March by the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day “wake-up call” that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk.
According to the CDC, 37.3 million Americans—or about 11.3 percent of the U.S. population—have diabetes. Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to complications, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness and kidney failure. What’s true nationwide is also true in the Dakotas. Approximately 54,372 people in North Dakota, or 9.1 percent of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes. An additional 15,000 people in North Dakota have diabetes but don’t know it, greatly increasing their health risk.¹ Diabetes affects more than 62,000 South Dakotans.² The prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing for the past several years. As the rate and prevalence of people overweight increases, diabetes rates are also expected to increase substantially.
Health professionals across the United States are gearing up for American Diabetes Alert Day. This day serves as a reminder to the public about the risks and symptoms associated with diabetes and the importance of maintaining good health to prevent the disease.
For optimal health, it is important to remind patients to eat a balanced diet that is low in sugar and saturated fat. Exercise is also important, as it helps to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
In addition to healthy eating and exercise, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of diabetes. These include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and slow healing of wounds.
American Diabetes Alert Day is also an opportunity for healthcare providers to remind their patients with diabetes about the importance of managing their condition. This includes monitoring blood sugar levels, taking medications as prescribed, and making lifestyle changes to improve their overall health.
A good way to reverse prediabetes is to attend a National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). A National DPP is designed to help people with prediabetes and those at high risk for developing diabetes, prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. This program focuses on lifestyle change – empowering individuals to make healthier eating choices and add more movement to their day. By gradually making changes to improve nutrition and physical activity, participants create healthy habits that lead to weight loss and reduce their risk for developing chronic disease. Access more information on prevention programs in North Dakota and South Dakota.
Want more information about diabetes? Listen to our Podcast I Q-Tips For Your Ears
Diabetes – The Path to Understanding Starts Here: Although there is no cure, diabetes can be managed with changes in lifestyle (diet and exercise) and treatment. Self-management of diabetes is critical to overall health and longevity. Education and support is available.