21st Annual American Diabetes Alert® DAY 2009

Battle Creek Health System's diabetes department is joining the American Diabetes Association in alerting the American public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when diabetes is left undiagnosed or untreated. To mark the occasion, the 21st annual American Diabetes Alert Day(r) is held on the fourth Tuesday of every March; this year's event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24.

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 sounds the alert about the dangers of diabetes. It is encouraging Americans to take the Diabetes Risk Test by answering a few 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, it is encouraging you to schedule an appointment with your health care 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.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

There are two types of diabetes-type 1 and type 2. Type 1 can occur at any age during childhood, but the greatest incidence is in girls ages 10-12 and boys in the 12-14 age groups. In this kind of diabetes, the pancreas loses the ability to make insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must follow a healthy meal plan and take injections of insulin every day.

Type 2 diabetes most often occurs in people over 40 and in those who are overweight or obese. This type of diabetes can often be controlled through healthful eating, exercise, and oral medications.

The Battle Creek Health System Diabetes Center is recognized by the American Diabetes Association for quality, self-management, education, and is certified by Michigan Department of Community Health.

For more information about diabetes or would like to take the diabetes risk test, call the BCHS diabetes department at (269) 966-8190.

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