Q: How do I know I'm at risk for developing diabetes?
A: Some of the risk factors include exercising too little or not at all, being overweight, being older than 45, or having a brother, sister or parent with diabetes.
It is possible to have diabetes for several years without knowing it. The American Diabetes Association estimates about 16 million people in the United States have diabetes. Unfortunately, about 6 million people don't know it.
Symptoms include extreme thirst, frequent urination or unexplained weight loss. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, you may still be at risk for developing diabetes.
Undetected, diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels and lead to complications such as blindness, kidney disease or heart disease. Even though you may not want to hear that you have the disease, it is important to know so you can make changes in your lifestyle and lead a healthier life.
If you already have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, encourage your close relatives to get screened, since they have a higher risk.
During March, and especially on Tuesday, March 24, "American Diabetes Alert Day," many participating area hospitals and clinics, including University Medical Center, are offering a simple, seven-question test that reveals almost immediately whether you are at risk for developing diabetes. For more information, call the American Diabetes Association, 795-3711.
( Betsy Dokken, NP, MSN, CDE, program coordinator, Diabetes Care for a Lifetime, University Medical Center, Tucson)
The information presented here is not intended to replace the advice of your physician.
For referral to a UA physician, please call University Health Connection, (520)694-8888.
ASK AHSC is published by the Office of Public Affairs, The University of Arizona Health Sciences Center. Health questions should be sent to: ASK AHSC, AHSC Office of Public Affairs, P.O. Box 245095, Tucson, AZ 85724-5095, or E-mail to: jspinell@u.arizona.edu.
(Editors Note: ASK AHSC is available on the Internet at www.ahsc.arizona.edu/opa/answers. To receive ASK AHSC via E-mail, call the AHSC Office of Public Affairs, (520)626-7301.)
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