Diabetes Alert Day is every year in March. The focus is awareness of risk factors and the importance of paying attention to symptoms. We can screen you for diabetes at the pharmacy.  This simple process can help you know if you need to see your doctor about diabetes.  Undetected diabetes causes irreparable damage to your body. Harm to your eyes, nerves, and kidneys may have been going on for seven to ten years. 

Are you at risk?

Step one in determining if you have diabetes is to take the risk test. For each statement below that is true for you add the specified number of points. If the statement is not true, add no points. If your score was 10 or higher you are at high risk for having diabetes. See your health care provider soon for testing. If your score was 3 to 9 points you are at low risk for diabetes at this time. You can keep your risk low by maintaining a healthy weight, being active and eating low fat meals that are high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.

I am a woman who has had a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth-1 point.

I have a sister or brother with diabetes-1 point.

I have a parent with diabetes-1 point.

My weight is equal to or above that listed in the chart-5 points.

I am under 65 years of age and I get little or no exercise-5 points.

I am between 45 and 64 years of age-5 points.

I am 65 years old or older-9 points.

Your risk for diabetes goes up as you get older, gain too much weight, or if you do not stay active. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Risk factors for diabetes include: having high blood pressure, having a family history of diabetes and having diabetes during pregnancy or having a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth.

Most people with diabetes do not notice any symptoms. However, if you have any of these symptoms contact your health care provider immediately:

Being very thirsty

Urinating often

Losing weight without trying

Michelle Herbert Thomas, PharmD, CDE