Are you at risk for diabetes?

Take the test.  Know the score.

Nearly 17 million Americans have diabetes 1 out of 3 don't even know it.

Find out if you are at risk for having diabetes NOW. Write in the points next to each statement that is true for you.  If a statement is not true, put a zero.  Then add your total score.

ATENCIóN

Copias de esta Evaluación de Riesgo en español son disponibles por llamar a la oficina de Colorado State University Cooperative Extension al 583-6566; el Diabetes Care Center de Parkview Medical Center; o el Programa de "Good Medicine" de St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center, 560-4433.  O si desea, puede ir a pedir una copia en las oficinas del periódico, The Pueblo Chieftain, localizado en  825 West 6^th Street, o en el YMCA, localizado en 700 Albany Avenue.

AT-RISK WEIGHT CHART

If you weigh the same or more than the amount listed for your height, you may be at risk for diabetes. This chart is based on a measure called the Body Mass Index (BMI). The chart shows unhealthy weights for men and women age 35 or older at the listed heights. At-risk weights are lower for individuals under age 35.

If you scored 10 or above on the risk assessment on the opposite side of this sheet,  please:

  Ø     Call your doctor for a thorough diabetes work up,  OR

  Ø     Call to arrange a free blood sugar screening at the Diabetes Care Center at Parkview

                             (584-7320) or at the Good Medicine Department at St. Mary-Corwin (560-4433).

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes means having too much sugar in the blood. Your body changes the food you eat into blood sugar. Body cells use blood sugar for energy.

Some people cannot get blood sugar into cells. The blood sugar builds up in the blood. They get high blood sugar.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage the heart, arteries, eyes, nerves, and kidneys, leading to serious health problems.

Diabetes is a progressive disease. There is no cure but it can be managed by good blood sugar control.

COULD YOU HAVE DIABETES?

Diabetes is a silent disease. By the time it is diagnosed, damage to arteries, eyes, nerves, and kidneys has been going on for seven to 10 years.

Every minute at least one person is diagnosed with diabetes. You are at higher risk if:

Ø      You are age 45 and older.

Ø      You are a member of a high-risk ethnic group (i.e., African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander).

Ø      You are overweight.

Ø      You have high blood pressure (at or above 140/90).

Ø      You have a family history of diabetes.

Ø      You have a history of diabetes during pregnancy or you are a woman who has had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth.

The earlier diabetes is discovered the easier it is to control. You won't know whether you have diabetes or not unless you get tested.

 DON'T WAIT FOR SIGNS

Diabetes can sometime have obvious signs. But, most people with diabetes do not notice any symptoms. However, if you or a family member should have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away.

Ø      Extreme thirst

Ø      Frequent urination

Ø      Unexplained weight loss

Ø      Blurry vision from time to time

Ø      Unusual tiredness or drowsiness