Help prevent diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong chronic illness. Many people who are at risk for diabetes can lower their risk by adopting healthier lifestyles, including eating right and exercising. Take this simple quiz to assess your risk for developing diabetes:

• Are you overweight?
• Are you older than 45?  
  
• Do you have a parent or a sibling with diabetes?            
  
• Did you have diabetes when you were pregnant or did you give birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more?
• Are you Asian American, Pacific Islander, African American, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian?
• Is your blood pressure 140/90 or higher?
• Is your cholesterol level high?
• Is your glucose level higher than normal?
• Are you inactive or are you active less than three times a week?
• Do you have blood vessel problems that affect your heart, brain, or legs?
• Do you have polycystic ovarian syndrome?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you are at an increased risk for diabetes. Talk to your doctor — he or she can help you understand your health risks and share important information on how to prevent diabetes.