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Although Monday was “officially” Diabetes Alert Day, there doesn’t have to be just one time a year to remind people about the disease. Learning about a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes early enough can help patients prevent or reverse developing the disease or serious complications.

Risk of diabetes increases with age. Men are more likely than women to have undiagnosed diabetes, perhaps because they see their doctor less regularly. In addition, women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes while pregnant are also at risk to develop Type 2 later in life.

People who are inactive, overweight and who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure are also more likely to have diabetes.

People of certain races and ethnicities, including black people, are more likely to have diabetes.

A family history of diabetes is also a very strong indicator of diabetes risk.

We encourage all Western Tidewater residents, especially those who have some of the above risk factors, to make the time to get screened when and where possible. That simple test could give you the opportunity to add quality and quantity of years to your life if you catch diabetes early.