What is Diabetes Alert Day?

The fourth Tuesday of March is American Diabetes Alert Day and at Queen City Hospice & Palliative Care, we are spreading awareness by asking our readers to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

According to Diabetes.org, the disease affects approximately 26 million children and adults in the United States alone. And, nearly 7 million people are completely unaware they have it!  Caring.com also shares that type 2 diabetes is prevalent among older, overweight adults. If you would like to prevent your risk for developing diabetes, follow these steps.

1. Improving Your Diet – Did you know you could prevent your chances of getting Diabetes by just losing 7% body fat? If you weigh 200lbs, that equates to dropping only 15lbs.
2. Boost Your Exercise – It’s no secret, exercise is the key to staying healthy. By simply walking 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week you could drastically drop your chances of developing Diabetes.
3.  Fill Up with Fiber – Your body takes longer to digest foods that are high in fiber. Strive to eat at least 45-50 grams of fiber per day. Start your day with a healthy bowl of oatmeal so that glucose is slowly released instead of spiking your blood sugar.
4. Know Your Numbers – Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol and blood pressure regularly. It is imperative you know your numbers and keep the cholesterol total under 200 mg/dL and blood pressure under 140/90. Your doctor will make suggestions on how you can stay within a healthy range.
5. Stop Smoking – This one is a no-brainer. Smokers are 50% more likely to develop Diabetes over non-smokers. Ceasing smoking will not only reduce your risk of Diabetes, but also a long list of other diseases and complications.

You can take the Diabetes Risk Test for free by visiting www.stopdiabetes.com.

Do you know someone struggling with Diabetes? Tell us your story in the comments below.