Diabetes affects more than 30 million Americans and there is no cure. Luckily, with proper care, diabetes can be managed allowing those with it to live long, healthy lives. But unfortunately, not everyone knows they are diabetic or prediabetic which, if undiagnosed, could have drastic impacts on their health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults living with diabetes – 7.2 million Americans – didn’t know they have it; that’s why screenings at events like the Family Health Care of Siouxland’s Diabetes Wellness Fair are so important.
Free Screenings
The Diabetes Wellness Fair offers free screenings including blood pressure, vascular, sleep study, blood glucose and more. According to the American Diabetes Association, early detection of diabetes through health screenings helps increase control of the disease and reduces life-threatening complications. Plus, in past years, we’ve heard amazing stories from people who’ve caught a 90 percent blockage, thyroid cancer and many other ailments with our free screenings.
Know Your Risks
There are several risk factors for the different types of diabetes including prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and type 1 diabetes, according to the CDC.
Prediabetes – You’re at risk for developing prediabetes if you:
• Are overweight
• Are 45 years or older
• Have a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes
• Are physically active less than three times a week
• Have had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds
• Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian or Alaska Native
Type 2 Diabetes – Those at risk:
• Have prediabetes
• Are overweight
• Are 45 years or older
• Have a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes
• Are physically active less than three times a week
• Have had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds
• Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian or Alaska Native
Type 1 Diabetes – Risk factors are not as clear as for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and instead include:
• Family history, having a parent, brother or sister with type 1 diabetes
• Age, it’s more likely to develop type 1 diabetes when you’re a child or young adult
• Ethnicity, whites are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes than African American and Hispanic/Latino Americans
Many Other Offerings
The Diabetes Wellness Fair offers more than just screenings. It also features expert advice on managing diabetes from local health physicians, eye specialists and dentists. This is your opportunity to ask these healthcare experts about best practices, warning signs and how to stay healthy.
Dieticians and nutritionists will be on hand to offer lifestyle tips on cooking and exercise. Diabetics cannot take their relationship with food or exercise for granted which is why nutrition and exercise practices are so important.
And there will be plenty of networking opportunities. Our community is extremely strong, and it will open up a whole new world for you and your family.
This event is completely FREE! Family Health Care of Siouxland wants to help bring diabetes education to you and your family, keeping everyone active and healthy.
Please join us for an amazing event on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Delta Hotel Center across from the Delta Hotel, 510 E 5th St, South Sioux City, Nebraska.