American Diabetes Association Alert Day
Working Together to Help One Million More Americans Know Their Risk for Type 2 Diabetes on American Diabetes Association Alert Day.
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* this page may be updated if event is repeated in the future *
American Diabetes Association Alert Day
Take a risk test at www.ymca.net/diabetes or at your local YMCA on March 24th.
Working Together to Help One Million More Americans Know Their Risk for Type 2 Diabetes on American Diabetes Association Alert Day Tuesday, March 24, is American Diabetes Association Alert Day, and the YMCA of Greater Dayton wants residents of the Miami Valley to know their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, as well as preventive steps they can take today to reduce the chances of developing the disease.
The Y knows that the best way to reduce new cases of type 2 diabetes is to prevent them and awareness is the first step to prevention. With only 10 percent of the 86 million Americans aware of their condition, the YMCA of Greater Dayton understands that it will take everyone working together to increase this number. The YMCA of Greater Dayton is joining Ys across the country, and other national organizations committed to addressing the diabetes epidemic, in an effort to help one million more Americans learn their risk for type 2 diabetes.
In the United States alone, diabetes affects nearly 29 million people and another 86 million Americans have prediabetes, yet only about 9 million are aware of it. These statistics are alarming, and the impact on the cost of health care and the overall well-being of our communities makes preventing the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes more important than ever before.
The nation’s struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is no surprise but the number of people with prediabetes is a growing issue, especially when only 10 percent realize they have the condition. Prediabetes is an often preventable condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with prediabetes can reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes by adopting behavior changes that include eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and losing a modest amount of weight. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also heart disease, stroke and other conditions.
As a leading voice on improving the nation’s health and well-being, the YMCA of Greater Dayton encourages all adults to learn their risk for type 2 diabetes by taking a risk test at www.ymca.net/diabetes or at your local YMCA on March 24th. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight, and activity level, among others. “Chances are each of us has a friend or family member with diabetes, but it’s even more likely that we know someone with prediabetes who doesn’t even know he or she is at risk,” said Ali Schulze, Diabetes Prevention Director, YMCA of Greater Dayton. “Diabetes Alert Day is the perfect time to not only determine our own risk, but also encourage our family and friends to determine their chance of developing the disease.
Studies show that people with prediabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by making simple lifestyle changes that include eating healthier and increasing physical activity.” Some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and an increased focus on healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are: • Eat fruits and vegetables every day. • Choose fish, lean meats and poultry without skin. • Aim for whole grains with every meal. • Be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week. • Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar. • Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history of the disease or are overweight.
To learn more about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program at the YMCA of Greater Dayton please visit www.ymcaonline.org/diabetes or contact Ali Schulze at 937-223-5201.
### About the Y The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Ys engage men, women and children - regardless of age, income or background - to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The YMCA of Greater Dayton was established in 1870 and now offers ten YMCA branches and one residential camp in the Miami Valley. www.ymcaonline.org
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