25.8 million Americans have diabetes. Of those people, 7 million don’t even know they have the disease

25.8 million Americans have diabetes.  Of those people, 7 million don’t even know they have the disease.  In addition, 79 million Americans are at risk of developing diabetes, if they do not change their lifestyle.

THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION

Diabetes is a serious illness that can lead to complications such as blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and amputation.

You are at risk if you:

  • Are overweight.
  • Have impaired glucose tolerance fasting blood glucose 100-125, random blood glucose 140-199 or A1C 5.7-6.4
  • Are older than 45.
  • Have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.
  • Have a family background of African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic American / Latino, or Pacific Islander.
  • Had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
  • Have blood pressure greater than 140/90, or have been told you have high blood pressure.
  • Have a HDL cholesterol 35 or lower or are your triglyceride level is greater than 250.
  • Are inactive or you exercise less than three times a week.
  • Have polycystic ovarian disease.

If you have any of the above risk factors, ask your physician for a blood glucose test. 

*Information is provided by the DRWF