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American Diabetes Alert
Auburn, March 17, 2004---The
American Diabetes Alert is an annual, one-day call to action held on
the fourth Tuesday of March , the 23rd this year, for
people to find out if they are at risk for diabetes.
The Alert’s goal is to raise awareness
that diabetes is serious, you can have diabetes and not even know it
and that taking the risk test is an easy way to find out if you are at
risk for diabetes.
Diabetes means that your blood glucose
or blood sugar, is too high. Your blood always has some glucose in it
because the body needs glucose for energy to keep you going, but too
much glucose is not good for your health.
Diabetes is a silent disease. You
could have it for years and never know it. During that time, your
eyes, nerves and kidneys may have been harmed by too much sugar in
your blood.
Your risk for diabetes increases as
you get older, gain to much weight or if you do not stay active.
Diabetes is more common in blacks, Latinos, American Indians, Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders. Risk factors for diabetes include:
·
Having high blood
pressure (at or above 130/80)
·
Having a family
history of diabetes
·
Having diabetes
during pregnancy or having a baby weighing more than nine pounds at
birth
Most people with diabetes do not
notice any symptoms. However, if you should have any of these
symptoms, call your health provider right away.
·
Persistent thirst
·
Frequent urination
·
Weight loss without
trying
You can lower your risk for diabetes
by keeping your weight in control; eating low fat meals that are high
in fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods; and staying active most
days of the week.
To learn more about diabetes, visit
the American Diabetes Association Web site at www.diabetes.org or
visit www.aces.edu and click on Food and Health on the left side of
the front page. Click on diabetes information, and you will find a
wealth of information about diabetes as well as links to even more
information.
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