March 26 is Diabetes Alert Day, an annual opportunity to encourage Americans to learn their risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans has prediabetes, a condition that means their blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis?

As such, 90 percent of people with prediabetes do not know they have it.

Luckily, there’s an easy screening test that can help people learn if they are at risk.

The test can be found at doihaveprediabetes.org and only takes 60 seconds to complete.

By answering simple questions such as, “Are you physically active?” and “Do you have a family history of diabetes?” participants can quickly learn their risk score.

This year for Diabetes Alert Day, we’re hoping to get as many people as possible to take the test.

There is one thing to keep in mind for our community. The Clark County Health Department offers their fully-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program, a lifestyle change program that is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Prediabetes can often be reversed with healthy lifestyle changes.

Studies show people with prediabetes who take part in the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change programs can cut their Type 2 diabetes risk by more than 50 percent.

Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include gender, family history, high blood pressure, age, physical activity and body mass index.

Do your part to stay healthy.

The Clark County Health Departments hosts a monthly Diabetes Support Group meeting. Call for next scheduled time, 859-744-4482.

The Clark County Health Department also hosts Healthy Living with Diabetes, a four-part class series, held biannually, once in spring and fall. The next class series begins on May 7, 2019, from 5:15m to 7:15 p.m., meeting every Tuesday until May 28. Enrollment is required.

Contact Amy Williams at amyw.williams@ky.gov.

Clark County Health Department provides programs for the entire family, including Smoking Cessation, WIC, HANDS, family planning, well-child care/immunizations and home health care. For more information on services, call 744-4482 or visit www.clarkhealthdept.org.