Are You At Risk?

Diabetes Alert Day, March 26, 2024

In Alabama, more than 550,000 people have diabetes. Even more, Alabamians have prediabetes, which increases their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. You may be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you:

• Have prediabetes
• Are overweight
• Are 45 years or older
• Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
• Are physically active less than 3 times a week
• Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds
• Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native person. Some Pacific Islanders and Asian American people are also at higher risk.

Think you are at risk of developing diabetes? Take the Prediabetes Risk Test.

To find a program near you, search the CDC DPP Registry for programs in Alabama.

The following are symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes.

• thirstier than usual
• frequent urination
• always tired
• weight gain or loss
• frequent infections and/or slow healing
• dry, itchy skin
• blurry vision

Chronic Disease

In the United States, diabetes is the 8th leading cause of death and cancer is the 2nd leading cause. 6 in 10 Americans live with at least one chronic disease such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, or diabetes. Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention. Many chronic diseases are caused by a list of factors:

• Age
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Poor nutrition
• Overweight
• Lack of physical activity
• Excessive alcohol use

You can take charge and lower your risk of these chronic diseases by losing weight, eating healthy, staying active, stopping smoking, and getting recommended screenings. For more information, visit the ADPH Cancer Division.

Diabetes and Family Health History

There are other risks for developing diabetes such as family health history. The National Diabetes Education Program encourages everyone to know their family's health history.

If you are at risk of having diabetes, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider soon.

Learn more about preventing diabetes and its complications by visiting the CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource.