Diabetes Alert Day is a reminder for everyone to think about diabetes and their health. 38.4 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, and nearly 9 million don’t know they have it. You might get type 2 diabetes based on things you can’t control (like your genes) and things you can control (like your lifestyle).
Who’s At Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
You might be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes if:
- You’re overweight
- You’re over 45
- Diabetes runs in your family
- You don’t exercise much (less than 3 times weekly)
- You had diabetes during pregnancy or had a baby weighing over nine pounds
Know Your Risk
Knowing your risk for type 2 diabetes can help you take action. Here’s a quick test you can take to find out your risk.
You Can Prevent or Manage Diabetes
Here’s the good news: You can actually prevent type 2 diabetes by making small changes to your daily life. Scientists proved this through a research study backed by the CDC and NIH that showed people at high risk of diabetes could avoid getting it by joining a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). The program worked so well that people who participated were 58% less likely to get diabetes.
The program teaches you four main things:
- How to eat better while still enjoying your favorite foods
- Ways to be more active
- How to deal with stress
- Tips for creating new healthy habits and sticking to them
Think you might be at risk? Don’t wait – check out the Diabetes Prevention Program today.