Healthy You :: American Diabetes Alert Day Is Today

Did you know that Diabetes Alert Day is held the last Tuesday of March? Each year, American Diabetes Association Alert Day® is a one-day event that encourages everyone to take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test and participate in workplace-friendly activities that will teach them about reversing the risk for diabetes.

• There are two types of diabetes:
  • Type 1 Diabetes: the body doesn’t produce enough or any insulin.  Basically the pancreas doesn’t function for whatever reason; it could be genetic or environmental. Most type 1 diabetics are diagnosed as children.  I have been living with type 1 diabetes for 14 years, and I was 22 when I was diagnosed.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: the body may produce insulin, but it may not be able to use it effectively (insulin resistance).  Generally speaking, type 2 diabetes is the diabetes talked about “reversing”.  It can most of the time be managed with diet and exercise.  (of course not in all cases)
• 24.4 million Americans have diabetes.
• The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases as you get older.
  You’re also more likely to get it if you’ve had gestational diabetes or pre-diabetes.
• Other risk factors include being overweight or a family history of diabetes.
• You can’t completely eliminate the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• A healthy diet, weight control, and regular exercise may help prevent it.

March 28th promotes checking your risks of type 2 diabetes, moving in the workplace and healthy diet.

Now that I’ve mentioned all the facts, I will throw in some personal side notes. I personally believe in seeing diabetes as a blessing, and I know you may be asking “how could she say it’s a blessing?”

Here’s how: I live a much healthier life than I would if I didn’t have diabetes.  Diabetes is a learning curve; in the beginning you have no idea what you are doing, but over time you become more educated, more diligent and all around healthier.  My passion right now is helping other diabetics believe they are living with a blessing, in the form of a wake up call. It’s a wake up call to live your healthiest life!!