Are you or a loved one at risk for diabetes?
The American Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day, “wake-up” call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association encourages people to take the Diabetes Risk Test and find out if they, or their loved ones, are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Observed on the fourth Tuesday of every March, the 21st annual American Diabetes Alert Day is Tuesday, March 24, 2009.

Why is Diabetes Alert Day important?

• 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes
• Nearly one-quarter of those do not know they have diabetes
• One in five Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes

For many, diagnosis may come seven to ten years after the onset of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.

Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle), and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for the disease.  African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and people who have a family history of the disease are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle), and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for the disease.

On Diabetes Alert Day, the American Diabetes Association will "Sound the Alert" about the dangers of diabetes. To help people better recognize their own risk for type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association encourages the public to take the Diabetes Risk Test which requires users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors for diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test (which is available on the ADA’s official web site, www.diabetes.org) shows users whether they are at low, moderate, or high risk for diabetes. If they are at high risk, they are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.  To obtain a copy of the Diabetes Risk Test or for more information about diabetes (in English or Spanish), please visit www.diabetes.org/alert or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).


Alert Day FAQ’s

What is American Diabetes Alert Day?
The American Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day, “wake-up” call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when diabetes is left undiagnosed or untreated. Held on the fourth Tuesday of every March, the 21st annual American Diabetes Alert Day is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2009.

Why is Diabetes Alert Day important?
Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 24 million children and adults in the U.S. It is named the “silent killer” because nearly one-fourth of those with the disease – 5.7 million – do not know they have it. For many, diagnosis may come seven to ten years after the onset of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart diseases, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.

Who should participate in the Diabetes Alert Day?
Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle), and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for the disease. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and people who have a family history of the disease are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

How does the Diabetes Alert Day work?
On Diabetes Alert Day, the American Diabetes Association will "Sound the Alert" about the dangers of diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test requires users to answer simple questions about weight, age,  family history and other potential risks for pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test shows users whether they are at low, moderate, or high risk for diabetes. If they are at high risk, they are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider.

How does one obtain the Association's Diabetes Risk Test?
The American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Risk Test is free and is available in both English and Spanish by calling 1-800-DIABETES (342-2383) or by visiting the web at diabetes.org/alert. Although Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available all year long.

Who is the primary target audience?
Americans with pre-diabetes
There are an estimated 57 million Americans who have pre-diabetes. Those with pre-diabetes have blood glucose levels higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  Early intervention via lifestyle changes such as weight loss and increased physical activity can help delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Americans with undiagnosed diabetes
The following segments of the population are at greater risk for having undiagnosed diabetes:

• Older Americans: As people grow older, they are at an increased risk for developing diabetes. About half of all diabetes cases occur in people older than 45 years of age.
• High risk ethnic populations: African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders.