Sarah Wingate
Pharmacy Intern
Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes? Additionally, 1 in 4 Adults with diabetes are unaware that they have the disease. Undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes can have many serious complications including but not limited to kidney disease, blindness and in some cases amputations.
Risk factors for developing diabetes include:
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Little to no physical activity
- High blood sugar
Diabetes is manageable with healthy lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise. March 24, 2020 is known as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Alert Day. This is a one day wake up call to inform the public about the importance of diabetes, especially when left undiagnosed or untreated. The ADA encourages everyone to take a Type 2 diabetes Risk Test that can easily be found on their website: www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test/
If you receive a high risk result, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any next step as only a blood test can determine a diagnosis. You are able to email the results to yourself and share them with your physician. You and your doctor can
work on the next steps to prevent a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.
If you receive a low risk result, continue with a healthy diet and exercise plan as well as schedule regular check-ups with your doctor. Additionally, if you are 45 or older, the ADA recommends diabetic screening every 3 years.
At Price Chopper and Market 32, we strive to make Diabetes a manageable disease for our patients. Our Diabetes Advantedge Program can provide you with free diabetes medications and free diabetic supplies. Free Medications include- Glimepiride, Glipizide, Glipizide XL, Glyburide, Metformin and Metformin ER. Free Diabetes supplies include- Super thin lancets, insulin syringes, pen needles and an auto lancing device. We are here to help you live a happier and healthier
life with Diabetes. Ask your pharmacist for more details.