The American Diabetes Association Alert Day occurs once every year on the fourth Tuesday of March. This year it is taking place on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. The purpose of Alert Day is to bring the public’s attention to Diabetes and offer free risk assessment screening to the public.
The Diabetes Risk Assessment Test requires users to answer simple questions about their health and lifestyle that contribute to the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Upon completion of the test, the user’s risk level is computed. If the user shows any increased risk for the development of pre-Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes they are counseled to see a physician for further diagnostic testing.
If you think you or a family member may be at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes you can take The Diabetes Risk Assessment Test by visiting: http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test/?loc=alertday. Just 60 seconds of your time could make a lifetime of a difference. This test is available year-round.
According to the 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report, there are 29.1 million Americans with Diabetes and 8.1 million were undiagnosed. In 2012 86 million Americans age 20 and older had prediabetes, this is up from 79 million in 2010. Properly diagnosing Diabetes is an essential step toward receiving adequate medical care and prevention of some of the serious side effects of Diabetes. Events like Diabetes Alert Day are wonderful educational tools and quite possibly even life-savers.
Diabetes affects nearly every organ of your body and visiting a podiatrist is key for all of your foot care needs. In 2010 about 73,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations were performed in adults aged 20 years or older with diagnosed diabetes. Prevention is key and most people with diabetes begin annual and bi-annual visits to the podiatrist and these visits become more frequent as needed. During these visits we use a variety of clinical tests and examinations to assess the blood flow, skin, nerves, muscles, and bones of the foot and ankle. We will identify potential complications before they get out of control. As part of these appointments an at home foot care program will be discussed. If you have Diabetes, checking your feet daily helps spot potential problems before they get worse.
If you or someone you know has Diabetes and has foot issues, consider making an appointment with Dr. Jay Larson at Sole Foot and Ankle Specialists in Glendale, Arizona. We want to be a part of your health care team in managing your diabetes.