|
One person who knows the importance of understanding the
risks for type 2 diabetes is Gary Deckman. Deckman was the runner-up
on the first season of NBC's "The Biggest Loser," a reality
weight-loss show. Before the show started, Deckman was undergoing
the required health screenings when he was diagnosed with
prediabetes. As many as 79 million American adults currently have
prediabetes -- which puts them at high risk for developing type 2
diabetes.
For many people, a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes may come seven to
10 years after the onset of the disease, giving time for deadly
complications to develop. These complications include heart disease,
blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.
Do you or someone you love have any of the following
symptoms?
-
Excessive
thirst
-
Unexplained weight loss
-
Frequent
need to urinate
-
Increased
hunger
-
Blurred vision
These symptoms -- and others -- frequently occur for
people with high blood glucose. Contact your health care
provider to determine if these symptoms are an indicator
of diabetes. |
Deckman's prediabetes diagnosis was a wake-up call. The show
jump-started his weight loss and healthy eating and he has remained
diabetes-free since, although it's not always easy. Deckman, who has
spoken at the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes EXPOs and
Tour de Cure cycling events, says eating right and staying active is
still a day-to-day challenge.
"It's truly a lifestyle change. There is no magic pill to keep
weight off and I have to choose to be healthy every day. But, if you
commit to yourself, make a plan and act on that plan, you can
succeed."
[to top of second
column]
 |
 Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented, or
delayed, by losing 7 percent (such as 15 pounds if you weigh 200) of
body weight through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day,
five days a week) and healthy eating.
March 27, 2012, is American Diabetes Association Alert Day which
is a one-day "wake-up call" asking the American public to "Take It.
Share It." by taking the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are
at risk for developing type 2 diabetes and share it with their loved
ones. This year there is a new Diabetes Risk Test that asks users to
answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other
potential risks for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Preventative
tips are provided for everyone who takes the test, including
encouraging those at high risk to talk with their health care
provider.
Everyone should be aware of the risks for type 2 diabetes. People
who are overweight, not active and over the age of 45 should
consider themselves at risk for the disease.
For more information and to take the free Diabetes Risk Test
(English or Spanish) visit the American Diabetes Association on
Facebook, stopdiabetes.com or by calling 1-800-DIABETES
(1-800-342-2383).
For every Diabetes Risk Test taken, Boar's Head, manufacturer of
premium deli meats and cheeses, will donate $5 to the American
Diabetes Association starting March 27 through April 27, up to
$50,000. American Diabetes Association Alert Day is supported in
part by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
[Copy of article from
ARAcontent] |
