Every fourth Tuesday in March, National Diabetes Alert Day is observed annually.
This “wake up call” day informs the public about the seriousness of diabetes and encourages people to take the diabetes risk test to make sure your health is in check and learn about your family’s history of diabetes.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases says diabetes affects approximately 34.2 million Americans; or about 10.5 percent of the U.S. population.
If you even need a specialist to speak to you about diabetes or need assistance if you have diabetes, the San Angelo Diabetes Coalition is one resource that can help.
The coalition opened in 2017, and is funded by companies including Shannon Medical Center and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The mission of the San Angelo Diabetes Coalition is to improve community health by creating and supporting programs to decrease the incidence and complications of diabetes and address causative factors. One of the San Angelo Diabetes Coalition health workers Mary Montez urges people to go see the coalition if they ever have any inquiries pertaining to diabetes.
“We have a handful of resources available for people in West Texas that need them. Genetics do play a large role in certain people getting diabetes, we can do our best to avoid getting it by watching what we eat,” Montez said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are currently 30 million Americans who have type 2 diabetes. Of those, seven million are unaware they have the disease. Although the American Diabetes Association encourages Americans to take the diabetes risk test on Diabetes Alert Day, the test is available all year long on the ADA’s website.
Floyd Huang, a physical therapy professor at Angelo State University, informs people they do not have to run a marathon or buy a gym membership to stay healthy and active. All it takes is adding physical movement to your everyday routine and you will see a change in your body.
“Whether standing up while watching television or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, adding a simple physical element to your routine everyday can help you stay active and stay healthy,” Huang said.
Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the coalition had workout classes at the YMCA and diabetes support groups they hope to continue sometime this year.
While important days such National Diabetes Alert Day and National Diabetes month are observed, it is still vital to remain updated on your health year round.
