From dallasweekly.com
As American Diabetes Alert Day approaches on March 26, it's crucial to understand the seriousness of diabetes and its impact on our health
Overview:
American Diabetes Alert Day is on March 26 and experts from Parkland Health are urging people to learn about the seriousness of diabetes and understand their personal risk. According to the 2022 Dallas County Community Health Needs Assessment, diabetes is one of the leading chronic diseases among Parkland patients. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, develops when the body cannot use insulin properly. Some symptoms include frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, losing weight without trying, fatigue, feeling irritable or moody, blurry vision, frequent UTIs or yeast infections. Fortunately, type 2 diabetes can often be prevented by making lifestyle changes including weight loss and regular physical activity.
Many people can feel overwhelmed trying to stay on top of their health but recognizing the
warning signs can help prevent a life-changing illness. American Diabetes Alert Day is March
26, and Parkland Health experts encourage the community to learn about the seriousness of
diabetes and understand personal risk.
According to the 2022 Dallas County Community Health Needs Assessment, diabetes is one of
the leading chronic diseases among Parkland patients. Diabetes affects how your body turns
blood sugar (glucose) into energy. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 is an autoimmune disease. Type 2 diabetes – the most common form – develops when the
body cannot use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas produces extra insulin to compensate, but
over time it cannot keep blood sugar at normal levels.
You may be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you are overweight, eating and
unhealthy diet, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and do not exercise regularly.
Some symptoms of type 2 diabetes you should be aware of include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Losing weight without trying
- Fatigue
- Feeling irritable or moody
- Blurry vision
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or yeast infections
Fortunately, type 2 diabetes can often be prevented if you are at risk or have prediabetes – a .
warning sign that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes
range. Making lifestyle changes including weight loss and regular physical activity can reduce
your risk.
If you think you may be at risk, take the 60-second risk assessment test and start on a path to a
healthier future. To learn more, visit www.parklanddiabetes.com/diabetes/whats-your-risk.
https://dallasweekly.com/2026/03/american-diabetes-alert-day/
