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Diabetes
is a silent disease. You can have it for years and not know it.
During this time, harm to your eyes, nerves, and kidneys may have
been going on for seven to ten years.
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 (at or above 180/80)
- Having a
family history of diabetes
- Having
diabetes during pregnancy or having a baby weighing more than
nine pounds at birth
Don't
Wait for Signs
Most
people with diabetes do not notice any symptoms. However, if you
have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider right
away.
- Being
very thirsty
- Urinating
often
- Losing
weight without trying
Are
You at Risk? Take this Test. Know Your Score
To
find out if you are at risk, write in the points next to each statement
that is true for you. If a statement is not true, write a
zero. Then add all the points to get your total score.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1.
|
My
weight is equal to or above that listed in the chart below? |
_______ |
5pts |
0pts |
| 2. |
I
am under 65 years of age and I get little or no exercise
during a usual day? |
_______
|
5pts |
0pts |
| 3. |
I
am between 45 and 64 years of age? |
_______
|
5pts |
0pts |
| 4. |
I
am 65 years old or older? |
_______
|
9pts |
0pts |
| 5. |
I
am a woman who has had a baby weighing more than nine pounds
at birth? |
_______
|
1pts |
0pts |
| 6. |
I
have a sister or brother with diabetes? |
_______
|
1pts |
0pts |
| 7. |
I
have a parent with diabetes? |
_______
|
1pts |
0pts |
| Total
Points: |
_______ |
|
Scoring
3-9 points
You are probably at low risk for having
diabetes now. But don't just forget about it. Keep your risk low
by losing weight if you are overweight, being active most days,
and eating low fat meals that are high in fruits and vegetables,
and whole grain foods.
Scoring
10 or more points
You are at greater risk for having diabetes.
Only your health care provider can determine if you have diabetes.
At your next office visit, find out for sure.
| *At-Risk
Weight Chart
*Body Mass Index |
| Height
in feet and inches without shoes |
|
Weight
in pounds without clothing |
| 4'10" |
|
129 |
| 4'11" |
|
133 |
| 5'0" |
|
138 |
| 5'1" |
|
143 |
| 5'2" |
|
147 |
| 5'3" |
|
152 |
| 5'4" |
|
157 |
| 5'5" |
|
162 |
| 5'6" |
|
167 |
| 5'7" |
|
172 |
| 5'8" |
|
177 |
| 5'9" |
|
182 |
| 5'10" |
|
188 |
| 5'11" |
|
193 |
| 6'0" |
|
199 |
| 6'1" |
|
204 |
| 6'2" |
|
210 |
| 6'3" |
|
216 |
| 6'4" |
|
221 |
| *If
you weigh the same or more than the amount listed for your
height, you may be at risk for diabetes |
For
more information on diabetes, click here or call 1-800-DIABETES.
The
information contained in this article and on the American Diabetes
Association (ADA) Web site is not a substitute for medical advice
or treatment, and the ADA recommends consultation with your doctor
or health care professional.
Resources:
American Diabetes Association
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