This past Tuesday, March 24, was American Diabetes Alert Day. This one-day "wake-up call" for the American public has taken place on the fourth Tuesday in March for the last 21 years. Sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the day aims to raise awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and urge people to find out if they or their loved ones are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Several organizations and companies got involved this year, offering up free tools, advice, and deals that are useful well beyond Diabetes Alert Day. Here are some links:
- The ADA offers a free, online Diabetes Risk Test to help people determine whether they are at low, moderate, or high risk for diabetes. The test asks users some simple questions about weight, age, family history, and other possible diabetes risk factors. Take the test — and find out how you can post it on your blog, Facebook page, and more — right here.
- The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is encouraging people to talk to their health-care providers about diabetes this week, whether they have it or may be at risk for it. And through its “Small Steps. Big Rewards. Prevent Type 2 Diabetes” campaign, NDEP is highlighting how people with prediabetes can halt the onset of diabetes by making small lifestyle changes, such as getting 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week and eating healthier.
- If you’ve been meaning to start an exercise program but don’t know where to begin, Gold’s Gym is now offering a free guide to help you do just that. In partnership with the ADA, Gold’s has developed a “how-to” brochure that can help people set goals, learn exercise techniques, and stay motivated. You can download the guide and find other related links and tips at www.goldsgym.com/diabetes.
- Diabetes drug and device manufacturer Novo Nordisk is encouraging people with diabetes to visit its “Changing Diabetes” site, where some new online diabetes management tools are available. They include a “Care Plan” that lets people track how lifestyle changes are helping them control their diabetes; “My Priorities,” a tool that can help people decide among different strategies to manage their diabetes; and “Voices of Diabetes,” an online community where people with diabetes, caretakers, and diabetes educators can all share their experiences.
- LifeScan, manufacturer of OneTouch blood glucose meters, released a list of cost-saving tips for Diabetes Alert Day that can help people with and without insurance afford medical care and medicine. You can find the tips, which include links to several free or low-cost prescription drug plans and health clinics, here.
Even though American Diabetes Alert Day has passed, it’s not too late to take advantage of these resources.
