I sit down at my office desk for the first time ever as American Diabetes Association AL/MS’s intern. I go through the usual introductory and orientation videos as I have done before at other organizations, but this time is different.
I thought that I had a decent grasp on diabetes and its complications, after all I have a family history of diabetes, but as I click-through the diabetes tutorial I realize that the information about diabetes is endless. I click past Module 8, page 12 of the Diabetes Orientation and I realize that there are plenty of modules left. History. Types. Complications. Symptoms. At Risk People. Preventative Action. Insulin. Research. It is easy for the information to build up and cause the head the spin, but suddenly it stops and I think, “What is my risk?”
Luckily, ADA’s Web site (www.diabetes.org), has a risk test. I sit down and I go through the assessment.
First question: gender-Female; Second question: age-24; Third question: have you ever developed diabetes during pregnancy?-No; Fourth question: Does your father, mother or sister have diabetes?-No; Fifth question: What race/ethnicity best describes you? White/Caucasian; Sixth question: Has a doctor ever told you that you had hypertension also called high blood pressure?-No; Enter your height and weight (Come on it is a personal blog entry, but not that personal!); Ninth question: Compared to most men and women your age would you say that you are more active, less active or about the same?-About the same.
That is it. The Risk Test thanked me for answering the questions and said that my “risk for having pre-diabetes or diabetes is low.” It suggested that I talk to my doctor on how to keep it low. It also stated that even though I am considered ‘low risk’ I did have some risk factors and that I should maintain a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise!).
The Diabetes Risk Test took me not even five minutes to complete! Please click on this link to know your risk! http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/prevention/diabetes-risk-test/?&utm_source=GlobalCarousel&utm_medium=SitePromotion1&utm_campaign=RISK
