March 27th is the American Diabetes Association Alert Day– a one-day, “wake-up call” to alert the public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Every 17 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes.
My brother was diagnosed with Type 1 when he was eleven years old. Type 1 is commonly diagnosed in children and young adults and is caused when the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed by an autoimmune response.
I wrote a little bit about how my brother inspired me here.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, and is caused when either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.
Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk.
The ADA’s Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors for pre-diabetes 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.
Check out the test here. Take it. Share it.
Also, coming up this May is best selling author Brenda Novak’s yearly online auction for finding a cure for diabetes. Check out her site to see how you can make a difference. There are always amazing items up for bid–including an entire category for writers.
As always, I love to hear from you! Please feel free to share in the comments how you are making steps toward a healthier life.
Have a happy, healthy week.
Coleen Patrick 
Thanks for the info, Coleen. My MIL has diabetes – she didn’t get until she was in her late 70s, but it has progresses badly because she ignored her doctor’s advice and messed around with her medications and now she’s insulin dependent. It’s important to pat attention to this as to all health matters!
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I agree Susanna. Sometimes its so hard for people to make that connection with food, exercise and health. Maybe with more awareness it might get a bit easier.
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Great info, Coleen. I re-visited your earlier post about your brother. Moved me to tears again. Such a sad loss. This is timely information. With the obesity epidemic, we all need to be mindful. Diabetes is an ugly disease. My friend has type 2 brought on by obesity and her pain and problems are overwhelming.
we must take care of ourselves.
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Thank you Louise!
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Diabetes is certainly something ot be aware of, especially as we age. My husband is one of the few in his family who isn’t diabetic, but he is also one of the most active and has made a conscious effort to watch what he eats.
Brenda Novak’s auction is great, isn’t it?? I’m going in with a couple dozen other authors to offer several e-readers loaded up with our ebooks. Hopefully they’ll raise a bunch of money for this great cause!
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Yes, there are so many things to bid on! That’s so great that you’re contributing. 🙂
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Thanks for this post–and the link to the diabetes risk test. I’m relieved to know my risk is moderate but realize that doesn’t let me off the hook.
Like Louise, I re-read your post about your brother. I’m learning from him, too.
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Thanks Pat. I considered writing something new about my brother for the post, but just wasn’t up for it. Thanks for re-reading 🙂
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I must go check out the post about your brother. My dad was recently diagnosed with type 2.
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Catherine, I wish your dad all the best!
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Thanks Coleen. I remember that post now, it was so poignant about getting on with the things you need to be doing. It’s very sad that he died so young, and it’s lovely that you are championing the cause like this xxx
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Thanks Catherine–appreciate it 🙂
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That is such an important topic! I will take the test and pass it along. I think I won’t have a high risk because it doesn’t run in my family and I lead a pretty healthy lifestyle. But I have heard that the numbers of adults with type 2 is going up. That definitely means that we need to look at our lifestyle choices as a society.
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Thanks Emma, it is important. Sadly, overweight kids are now falling into the early stages of type 2 diabetes.
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This is why I am sick of the pink ribbonfest! There are so many diseases out there that need funding. Thanks for writing about this topic!
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Your welcome Susie–thanks for stopping by!
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Thanks for bringing light to this important topic, Coleen. Diabetes truly has become an epidemic. Since type 2 is preventable and many remain undiagnosed, posts like these are invaluable. Thanks also for the warm shout out!
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Sure August! Your site is always chock full of such important and timely information! 🙂
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Wonderful post, Coleen. Such an important topic. My father was a diabetic (5 shots a day). It was his diabetes that made it next to impossible to fight his cancer. All the medications between the two clashed and caused so many problems. I worry every day about my own children. LIke August mentions, there are so many that go undiagnosed and haven’t a clue about their condition. So great to get the word out.
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Thanks Debra. It’s so hard not to worry! But it’s helpful to know that some people can get help simply by becoming aware.
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Diabetes runs on both sides of my family, so I must be careful. It’s amazing how many people aren’t aware of the proper eating required to maintain steady blood sugar. I eat six small meals a day, and this really helps!
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That’s a great tip Emily!
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Wow Coleen, this subject rings loud and clear for so many families! My mother-in-law died from diabetes, or should I say complications from the disease. It’s a hard fight and one that is spreading so fast. Eating the right foods is so important to our health. Thanks for sharing those great bloggers. They have terrific information on eating healthy. Thanks Coleen! 🙂
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It is definitely a hard fight–and you’re right the complications are the worst. Let’s hope we can help spread the news 🙂
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Thank you for calling attention to diabetes. It’s a terrible disease, and in many cases of type 2, it’s preventable.
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Diabetes is a huge threat to a lot of us. I know every year when I get my physical I specifically ask for that to be ruled out. So far, I’m lucky, but being a little bit older and a little bit chubby, I worry. This year, I’ve determined to be the healthiest I can be. Your brother’s story is very inspiring. Thanks for your support.
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Thanks for posting this! My mom and her brother have diabetes, as does my paternal grandfather and I’m hypoglycemic. I thought I’d be horribly at risk for it, but that online test says I’m low – whew! I work hard to keep my sugar from dropping and it gives me horrible headaches all the time, but I do what I can.
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Great post and cause to promote. I have family members with Type 2 Diabetes. Thanks for reminding us of the awareness day.
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I took the test and fortunately am at a lower risk, but I have family members with issues. I’m in the middle of a fitness challenge with my neighbors. I’m hoping to amp up the health factor.
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Thanks for posting this, Coleen. I took the test, clicked the links and feel better informed. Thanks for that.
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Thanks guys! Appreciate your support–may we all be well 🙂
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Thank you for this post. My Dad had Type II and it’s so important that people get the proper treatment so thank you for helping to create awareness 😉
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Thank you for sharing your brother’s story. A touching post. Diabetes is a serious issue, especially if you’re overweight like me. My mom and dad both have type 2 diabetes so I’m in high risk group as I don’t excercise much. This post gave me a serious kick in the ass.
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Thank you Ingrid & Reetta for taking the time to come by and comment—much appreciated!
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Thanks so much for sharing this information. My husband has had type 2 for about 12 years and it’s a constant struggle to eat right and keep up with medications, etc. Consistent attention to sugar levels and diet are critical to long-term health. Since the disorder is so prevalent in my husband’s family, we do everything we can to encourage healthy diet and exercise to our son in hopes he can avoid it.
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Such an important topic, Coleen. And for so many, diabetes is something a person has some control over through their nutrition and physical activity. I have personally seen clients get off their meds for controlling their diabetes just by taking control of their healthy living habits. I appreciate the shout out. Motivates me to dust off my blog which I’ve let sit idle lately. 🙂
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