November: National Diabetes Awareness Month

Did you know that 1-in-3 American adults have prediabetes and are at risk for diabetes? That’s 84 million people! The worst part is that 90% of these people are unaware that they even have prediabetes. Therefore, it’s important to stay up-to-date with your regular check-ups and listen to your body. Signs and symptoms for prediabetes from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention include:

• Being overweight
• Being 45 years or older
• Having a parent, brother, or sister, with type 2 diabetes
• Being physically active less than 3 times a week
• Ever having gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome

How do you know if you’re at risk? The American Diabetes Association has created an online quiz that you can access and answer questions to help you determine your risk for having diabetes. Questions include:

• How old are you?
• What is your gender?
  • If female: Have you ever been diagnosed with gestational diabetes?
• Do you have a mother, father, sister, or brother with diabetes?
• Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure?
• Are you physically active?
• What race or ethnicity best describes you?
• Tell us more about yourself:
  • Height
  • Weight

It also provides rationale behind each question because each of these questions focuses on a risk factor for diabetes! Once you’ve completed the quiz, you’ll be given a risk score. Even if you’re at low risk for diabetes, you should continue to get regular check ups with your health care professional and take a proactive approach to keep your risk for diabetes at baseline. The website also provides info on diabetes basics, steps towards a healthy lifestyle, how to help others, and how to get involved. Check out the additional resources and links below for more info on how to prevent diabetes and what to do after diagnosis. Don’t be afraid, be informed, and take charge of your health and future.

P.S. Are you a student or dietitian that wants to learn more about how to become a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, formerly known as a Certified Diabetes Educator? Check out the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators website for more info: https://www.ncbde.org/

References and Resources:

ADA – Diabetes Risk Quiz:

https://www.diabetes.org/risktest?source=ADA&cate=DgtlADAMmicrosite&loca=VA&adas=98000

CDC – What is prediabetes?

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/prediabetes.html

ADA – Diabetes friendly recipes and nutrition tips:

https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/

Beyond Type 1 – Resources for people with Type 1 diabetes

https://beyondtype1.org/

AADE: Resources for people living with diabetes

https://www.diabeteseducator.org/living-with-diabetes

Author:

Tina Lam, MS RD LDN CDE

Instagram: @diabetes.educator.dietitian