American Diabetes Alert Day: Why Early Detection Matters for You and Your Family
Every year on the fourth Tuesday of March, the American Diabetes Association observes American Diabetes Alert Day a reminder that diabetes often develops silently and that early detection can change lives. As family medicine providers, we want to use this day to encourage screening, prevention, and small lifestyle steps that can dramatically reduce risk.
Diabetes affects millions of Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 38 million adults in the United States have diabetes, and approximately 1 in 5 do not know they have it. Even more concerning, nearly 98 million adults have pre-diabetes, and most are unaware. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and often develops gradually. Many patients feel completely well for years before diagnosis.
What Is American Diabetes Alert Day? American Diabetes Alert Day was started as a national “wake-up call” encouraging adults to:
- Understand their risk
- Take a diabetes risk assessment
- Schedule screening if indicated
- Talk with their primary care provider
Because diabetes can progress quietly, screening is often the only way to catch it early.
Those with family history of diabetes, over the age of 35, or who are overweight/obese are at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes. Additional risk factors include having high blood pressure, high cholesterol and those who have sedentary jobs and are physically inactive. These risks often stem from lifestyle and diet choices that are nidus for metabolic disease. Lastly, women who had gestational diabetes in pregnancy are often at an increased risk for Type 2 Diabetes after pregnancy. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults aged 35 to 70 years who have overweight or obesity.
Unchecked diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage and vision loss. However, early detection allows us to intervene before complications develop. In many cases, especially with prediabetes, lifestyle changes can prevent or significantly delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Research from the landmark National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases–supported Diabetes Prevention Program showed that modest weight loss (5–7% of body weight) and 150 minutes of weekly physical activity reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%. These are achievable lifestyle modifications you can start today to help reduce your risk! At Lone Star Family Health Center, we offer a patient centered group which meets twice a month to discuss lifestyle modifications to benefit a healthier you called Health House (this group is also offered for Spanish speakers and is called Casa Salud).
Screening is simple and typically includes a hemoglobin A1c or metabolic blood panel. These tests can be done during routine lab work. If you haven’t had recent labs and have risk factors, this is a great time to ask.
On this American Diabetes Alert Day:
- Know your numbers: blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight.
- Move more: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
- Choose balanced meals: Emphasize vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and fiber.
- Schedule a visit: If you’re unsure of your risk, we’re here to help.
Family medicine is about prevention as much as treatment. Identifying prediabetes or diabetes early gives us the opportunity to partner with you before complications arise.
At Lone Star Family Health Center, we believe preventive care saves lives. American Diabetes Alert Day is a reminder that small steps today can protect your health for years to come.
If you would like to schedule screening or discuss your risk factors, please contact our office at 936-539-4004. We’re here to support your health at every stage of life.
Dr. Brittany Burns is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.