Raising Diabetes Awareness
By Angie Mettille, RN, Diabetes Educator
Diabetes Alert Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March. In 2025, this day falls on March 25. Established by the American Diabetes Association, it serves as a “wake-up call” to raise awareness about the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk.
On this day, individuals are encouraged to take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test, a free and anonymous assessment that takes about a minute to complete. The test evaluates factors such as age, family history, and physical activity levels to determine one’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Understanding your risk is crucial, as approximately 38.4 million Americans have diabetes, and 8.7 million are unaware of their condition. Additionally, around 97.6 million adults have prediabetes, placing them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
By participating in Diabetes Alert Day, you can take proactive steps toward a healthier future. Visit the American Diabetes Association’s website to access the risk test and learn more about preventive measures at http://diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test.
Diabetes can manifest in various symptoms, and these may differ between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Here are some common symptoms for both types:
Common Symptoms of Diabetes:
- Increased Thirst (Polydipsia): Feeling unusually thirsty, even after drinking fluids.
- Frequent Urination (Polyuria): Needing to urinate more often than usual, particularly at night.
- Extreme Hunger (Polyphagia): Feeling constantly hungry, even after eating.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying, even though you may be eating normally.
- Fatigue: Feeling more tired or lethargic than usual, even with adequate rest.
- Blurred Vision: Vision may become blurry due to high blood sugar levels.
- Slow-Healing Sores or Frequent Infections: Cuts and bruises may take longer to heal, and you might experience more frequent infections.
- Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet: This may be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, which affects the nerves due to high blood sugar.
- Dark Skin Patches: Sometimes, people with diabetes develop dark, velvety patches of skin, especially in the armpits or back of the neck (this is called acanthosis nigricans).
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they come on suddenly or worsen over time, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. Early detection and management can help prevent complications.
If you have concerns or suspect you may have diabetes, it’s always best to seek professional advice to get properly diagnosed.
For more information, contact Angie Mettille, VMH Diabetes Program Coordinator at 563-568-3411.
