Nine out of 10 Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes and don’t know it
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, will celebrate Diabetes Alert Day on March 27 to promote the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when it is left undiagnosed or untreated. One-in-three American adults are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, a serious disease that can lead to complications like kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, blindness and amputations. Type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to be permanent—it can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle modifications. The first step is learning about your risk.
A simple and quick 60 second test located on American Diabetes Association website can help you to determine if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. On March 27, join OKCIC in participating in Diabetes Alert Day, and take the test. Eighty-four million Americans are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, so once you’ve taken the test, encourage your friends and family take it too.
American Indian and Alaska Native adults are 2.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes compared with non-Hispanic whites. Because of this diabetes epidemic OKCIC has a specific program, Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), to provide Native Americans with diabetes treatment and prevention services. Through this grant-funded program OKCIC is able to educate, diagnose and assist patients with their diabetes management through lifestyle changes and intervention.
“Early detection and treatment of diabetes decreases the risk of developing complications of diabetes,” Robyn Sunday-Allen said, CEO of OKCIC. “Taking this 60 second test is the first step toward a healthier life.”
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Urinating more than usual
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling hungry even after eating
- Feeling tired
- Having blurred vision
- Having frequent infections or slow-healing cuts and sores
- Having tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 18,000 patients from over 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.