American Diabetes Association Alert Day®

American Diabetes Association Alert Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March. This one-day "wake-up call" informs the American public about the seriousness of diabetes and encourages all to take the diabetes risk test and learn about your family's history of diabetes.

#AmericanDiabetesAssociationAlertDay

Diabetes Facts:

• Diabetes impacts approximately 34.2 million Americans. That's about 10.5 percent of the U.S. population.
• Of those living with diabetes, 7.3 million - 1 in 7 adults - don't know they have it.
• The risk of developing diabetes increases with age. But there are other factors, too. Ethnic background may increase your risk.
• An additional 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year.

There are two types of diabetes. While Type 1 diabetes is not as preventable, it can be managed well with insulin injections. Managing Type 1 diabetes might also require frequent blood sugar monitoring, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Education is key to learning how to manage symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. However, type 2 is much more preventable, and some actions can be taken. 

Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes:

• Eliminate sugar and refined carbs
• Work out regularly and avoid a sedentary lifestyle
• Make water the primary beverage
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Eat a high fiber diet
• Optimize Vitamin D levels
• Take natural herbs, such as curcumin and berberine, that increase insulin sensitivity