Do you have type 2 diabetes? Are you at Risk?

March 24, 5:47 PMHealth ExaminerAngela Spears

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Dr. Sue Kirkman, vice president of clinical affairs

March 24th is American Diabetes Alert(R) Day. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) urges all Americans to learn about type 2 diabetes and whether they are at risk. The ADA and one of its partners, Liberty Medical Supply, Inc., have produced an online video that explains the symptoms and risks of diabetes. The "Do You Have Diabete?" two minute video features Dr. Sue Kirkman, vice president of Clinical Affairs of the American Diabetes Association.

According to the ADA, this disease strikes nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States. It is named the "silent killer" because nearly one-fourth of those with the disease - 5.7 million - do not know they have it.  And one in five Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of the complications of diabetes, such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation, and death.

The ADA also has an online nutrition tool called MyFoodAdvisor. It is a calorie and carbohydrate counting tool that can help with diabetes management and nutrition. Tracking what you eat can help manage your diabetes and in turn prevent the onset of complications. Users will better understand their food choices; select from healthy alternatives, recipes, and analyze the foods that they eat. It is also beneficial to people with heart disease, kidney disease, as well as those trying to lose weight.