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.