Diabetes Alert Day: Know Your Risk
posted by Taylor Britton on Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Tuesday, March 24th is Diabetes Alert Day, a national wake-up call to learn about your risk for type 2 diabetes and take steps to protect your health. Many people don’t realize they may be at risk, which makes awareness and prevention key.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t properly process food for energy. Normally, a hormone that our body makes, called insulin, helps move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells. With diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively, leaving too much sugar in the blood stream. Over time, high blood sugars can lead to serious health problems if they are untreated.
Common types include type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes is when blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetes. Identifying prediabetes early can help prevent progression through lifestyle changes.
Knowing your risk is the most important first step. Think about if you have family members with diabetes. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of high blood sugars like frequent thirst, urination, increased hunger, feeling tired all of the time, or vision changes.
Taking the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Risk Test online is a quick way to evaluate your risk.
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
Several factors can increase risk:
- Weight: Being overweight is a major risk factor.
- Age: Risk increases after age 45.
- Family history: Having family members with diabetes raises your risk.
- Lifestyle: Inactivity (less than three exercise sessions per week) increases risk.
- For women: Gestational diabetes or delivering a baby over nine pounds can raise risk later.
Steps to Prevent Diabetes
If you’re at risk, small lifestyle changes can make a big difference:
- Move more: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking, at least 5 days/week.
- Eat healthier: Focus on fruits, vegetables, balanced meals, and reduce processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Lose a little: Losing 5-7% of body weight can significantly lower your risk. For someone who weighs 200 pounds, that’s about 10-14 lbs.
- Check in: Regular checkups with your provider are important.
Aside from making some of these changes, ask your provider if you should be tested for diabetes!
For Medicare patients, Spencer Hospital offers a pre-diabetes program with guidance and support to reduce glucose levels and prevent diabetes.
Support for People With Diabetes
Spencer Hospital’s Diabetes Education Program helps patients manage their condition through:
- Meal planning
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Medication management
- Physical activity
- Preventing complications
With the right education and support, people with diabetes can live healthy, active lives.
Take the First Step
Diabetes Alert Day is a reminder that knowing your risk is the first step. Taking a quick risk test and making small lifestyle changes can protect your long-term health. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about your risk or your blood sugar.
If you would like more information about Spencer Hospital’s Diabetes Education Program, please visit our Diabetes Education web page or call (712) 264-8421.
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