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 25th, 2014. 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.
According to a 2011 Diabetes Statistics Fact Sheet there are over 7 million undiagnosed Diabetics in the United States. This number is undoubtedly rising. Properly diagnosing Diabetes is an essential step toward receiving adequate medical care and prevention of some of the serious side effects of Diabetes. With the help of organizations like The American Diabetes Association, Diabetes awareness and diagnoses has been on the rise. Events like Diabetes Alert Day are wonderful educational tools and quite possibly even life-savers.
Diabetes affects nearly every organ in your body and it’s important to have a team approach in handling this disease. Podiatrists are important in managing this disease and treating foot related issues. More than 60% of non-traumatic, lower limb amputations occur in people with diabetes. Podiatrists can perform a variety of clinical tests and examinations to assess the blood flow, skin, nerves, muscles and bones of the foot and ankle. Podiatrists can develop a foot care program for diabetic patients. This includes a risk assessment, foot care education and preventative therapy, treatment of foot problems and referral to specialists. All of this can reduce amputation rates by 45% to 85%.
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/. Just 60 seconds of your time could make a lifetime of a difference. This test is available year-round; however, for every test taken on Tuesday, March 25th-April 25th Boar’s Head Brand will donate $5 to the American Diabetes Association.
Also, if you or someone you know has diabetes, please consider making an appointment with Dr. Jay C. Larson at Sole Foot and Ankle Specialists in Glendale, Arizona. We want to be on your team in managing diabetes.