Get proactive about diabetes: Take the quiz; know your risk
November is National Diabetes Month and, this summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new Prediabetes Risk Test that can better help people determine their health needs.
The updated test means the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and CDC now use the same risk test that:
- has stronger calls to action
- has seven easy-to-understand questions
- includes a results page and explanations that can be emailed and printed
“The majority of people who have prediabetes have no idea that their blood sugar is higher than it should be and that it is putting them at risk for type 2 diabetes,” said Anita Longan, registered dietitian nutritionist at the HopeHealth Diabetes & Nutrition Institute in Florence. “Taking the prediabetes risk test is a first step to recognizing that it’s time to lead a healthier lifestyle. This simple quiz takes just a minute to do but can inspire a person to make changes that can impact their health for a lifetime!”
The assessment test also provides an opportunity to share the tool with friends and family and is available both online at cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest and as a printable pdf version.
“Taking the test and knowing your risk for prediabetes gives you the opportunity to take a proactive approach to addressing your health needs,” said Longan. “You can start an exercise program, talk with a nutritionist, or enroll in a structured program such as the National Diabetes Prevention Program to help make lifestyle changes.”
Longan said that making lifestyle changes such as getting more physical activity, eating healthier, and losing a little weight, can delay type 2 diabetes for 10 years or completely prevent the disease from developing.
Find out if it’s time for you to make changes—take the quiz!
HopeHealth is one of 23 nonprofit, federally qualified health centers in South Carolina. We provide quality and affordable health care services to individuals in Florence, Clarendon, and Williamsburg Counties and infectious diseases services in Aiken, Clarendon, Florence, Orangeburg, and Williamsburg Counties. To become a patient, call 843-667-9414 or visit hope-health.org.
