North Central Health District

Prediabetes Awareness

Posted April 28, 2016 by NCHD Admin

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) 86 million US adults have prediabetes, and 90% of them don’t know they have it. With prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes comes with long-term risks to health, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, but there usually aren’t any noticeable symptoms.

 

Awareness First

Research shows that adults aged 40-64 years (the target audience) are concerned about their risk for type 2 diabetes and want to be healthier. But they have busy lives—kids, jobs, social events—there’s no problem finding a reason to avoid taking care of themselves. They often keep those excuses to themselves, though, making it easier to avoid making healthy changes.

Taking the Test

With DoIHavePrediabetes.org just a click away, the prediabetes risk test is right at people’s fingertips by desktop, tablet, and smartphone. Visitors can print test results too to share with their doctor, or print the complete test and take it offline. With the interactive real-time test on TV and radio, audiences just have to answer 7 simple questions while they’re watching or listening and they’ve taken the test, as simple as that. People can also text “RISKTEST” to 97779 to take the test via text message. They will then receive lifestyle tips and support by text in the weeks and months ahead.

Use the Information Available

Prediabetes is no joke. Use the information and tools available to ensure you and your loved ones are healthy. Avoid long-term health risks by making small changes over the course of time to improve your overall health and lifestyle. Your body will thank you for it.

For more information go to: Prediabetes or http://www.cdc.gov/