American Diabetes Alert Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March. This year, it falls on March 28, 2024. This day serves as a crucial reminder to raise awareness about diabetes risk and encourage individuals to take proactive steps towards prevention and management.
Here are some key reminders to keep in mind for American Diabetes Alert Day:
1. Know Your Risk:
- Diabetes risk factors include:
- Age (45 years or older)
- Family history of diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Physical inactivity
- Race or ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk)
Take the American Diabetes Association’s Risk Test to assess your individual risk: https://diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test
2. Get Screened:
Regular blood sugar testing is essential for early detection and prevention of diabetes complications.
Talk to your doctor about getting screened for diabetes, especially if you have risk factors.
3. Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes:
Healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and improve overall health. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Managing stress
- Getting enough sleep
4. Spread Awareness:
- Help educate others about diabetes risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies.
- Share information on social media using the hashtag #AmericanDiabetesAlertDay.
- Organize or participate in awareness events in your community.
5. Support the American Diabetes Association:
- The American Diabetes Association is a leading organization dedicated to diabetes research, education, and advocacy.
- Donate to support their mission.
- Volunteer your time and skills.
By understanding your risk, getting screened, adopting healthy habits, and spreading awareness, you can play a significant role in addressing the diabetes epidemic. Remember, early detection and intervention are key to managing diabetes effectively and living a healthy life.
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
