American Diabetes Alert Day!
March is American Diabetes Month. As we fine tune our motorcycles for the spring, let’s also take time to fine tune our bodies. We all have family members and friends living with diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of deadly lifelong diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin. Unfortunately, diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem harmless. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1 (body’s failure to produce insulin), Type 2 (body fails to use insulin properly) and Gestational (pregnant women who have never had diabetes). In the United States, 24 million people are living with diabetes and 57 million more are at risk at developing diabetes. Both types 1 and 2 are chronic conditions that usually cannot be cured but can be controlled with medications. Here are the main warning signs of diabetes:
• Type 1 – Fatigue, Nausea, Vomiting, Increased thirst, urination and weight loss
• Type 2 – Blurred vision, Fatigue, Increased appetite, thirst and urination
There are many risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, including:
• Obesity
• Exercise less than 3 times a week
• Are over 45 years old
• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Gestational diabetes
• Are African American, Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander
• Have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
March 27th is the American Diabetes Association’s Alert Day. This one day wake-up call is an appeal to the public to step forward and take the Diabetes Risk test to find out if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association encourages everyone to “Take it. Share it” – take the Risk Test and share with your family and friends in order to save a loved one.
Throttle Life challenges our nation of motorcycle riders to schedule an appointment with your physician immediately if you think that you may be at risk for diabetes. We take a chance on the streets with the love of our two-wheels, but we don’t have to chance our health. Remember, early detection could possibly save your life!
For more information and the March 27 “Take it. Share it” Alert Day visit: stopdiabetes.diabetes.org or on
facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation
Peace and Blessings,
Debra aka Lady D
Independent Rider
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