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Diabetes Alert Day

Diabetes, a disease that impacts blood glucose levels, currently affects more than 38 million Americans, which is over 11% of the population. Another 97 million people in the US have prediabetes, which has the potential to become diabetes.

Body & Health Education Helping Others62

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Position your health, wellness, or food brand as a partner in diabetes prevention by promoting the ADA's risk test and lifestyle-change messaging during this high-awareness day.

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Take the 60-second Diabetes Risk Test—know your risk factors now
Swap sugary drinks for water: one small change, big health impact
Diabetes affects 38M Americans—is your family at risk? Learn prevention habits
Partner with us this Diabetes Alert Day to help your community understand prevention

History

Diabetes Alert Day was founded in 1986 by the American Diabetes Association as an awareness program encouraging people all over the nation to understand the risks associated with diabetes.

The idea behind the day is to get more and more people involved in the understanding what diabetes is all about and how to avoid it. Everyone is encouraged to consider their family history, lifestyle habits, and other factors that might put them at risk for diabetes.

In addition, health care workers and other medical professionals are invited to take this event as an opportunity to spread the word in their communities and train their patients about healthier lifestyle habits!

How to celebrate

Take the Diabetes Risk Test

The American Diabetes Association has created a test that helps individuals determine whether they should see a medical professional right away about concerns that could be related to diabetes. It’s an easy test that only takes 60 seconds to complete! It will let a person know by their answers to questions, such as height, weight, ethnicity, and family history if they are more likely to have diabetes. Of course, this type of survey is not a substitute for seeing a doctor and getting regular health checkups, but it could be a helpful tool. Learn More About Preventing DiabetesDiabetes Alert Day is here to help people better understand how some of their habits and lifestyle choices might be contributing to poor health.Diabetes is a medical condition that is controllable both with medicines as well as with healthy eating and exercise. In many cases, diabetes is preventable with a few conscious choices, such as these:Drink water as the primary beverage and avoid sugary drinksBe physically active every day – walk, move, exercise, play sports, etc.Make healthy food choices such as more plant foods and fewer carbsLose excess weight and stop smoking

FAQ

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in how they develop and are treated?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system destroys insulin‑producing cells in the pancreas, so people almost always need insulin from the time of diagnosis. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops using insulin effectively (insulin resistance) and, over time, may also make less insulin; it is strongly linked with excess weight, physical inactivity, and genetic risk. Type 2 diabetes is usually managed first with lifestyle changes and oral medications, and insulin is added if blood glucose remains high. Both types can lead to similar long‑term complications if not well controlled.

Can prediabetes really be reversed, and if so, how?

Prediabetes often can be reversed, meaning blood glucose can return to the normal range and the onset of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. Large studies show that losing about 5–7% of body weight, being physically active at least 150 minutes per week, and improving diet can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by roughly half or more. These changes are usually more effective than starting metformin alone for most adults with prediabetes.

Is type 2 diabetes ever “curable,” or only put into remission?

Current expert consensus is that type 2 diabetes is not considered “cured,” but some people can achieve remission, where blood glucose stays in the normal or near‑normal range without glucose‑lowering medication for at least several months. Remission is most likely early in the disease and is usually achieved through substantial weight loss from intensive lifestyle programs, very low‑calorie diets, or bariatric surgery. Even in remission, diabetes can return, so ongoing monitoring and healthy habits remain important.

Which lifestyle changes have the strongest evidence for preventing type 2 diabetes?

The best evidence supports a combination of modest weight loss, regular physical activity, and dietary changes. In the U.S. Diabetes Prevention Program, losing 5–7% of starting weight and getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (such as brisk walking) reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 58% in adults with prediabetes. Eating more whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, limiting sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates, and reducing overall calories and saturated fat all contribute to lowering risk.

How is type 2 diabetes usually detected, and who should consider getting tested?

Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are typically diagnosed with a fasting plasma glucose test, an A1C test, or an oral glucose tolerance test. Major medical groups recommend routine testing for adults starting in midlife, and earlier for people who have excess weight plus additional risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, or belonging to certain higher‑risk ethnic groups. People with symptoms like unusual thirst, frequent urination, unintended weight loss, or blurred vision should talk with a health professional about testing regardless of age.

Is diabetes only a concern in high‑income countries, or is it a global issue?

Diabetes is a major global health issue that affects countries at every income level. The World Health Organization estimates that the number of adults living with diabetes has risen from about 108 million in 1980 to over 420 million worldwide, with the fastest growth in low‑ and middle‑income countries. Urbanization, reduced physical activity, changes in diet, and limited access to preventive care all contribute to rising rates and to serious complications where diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

What are some common myths about diabetes that can get in the way of prevention or early care?

Common myths include the ideas that eating sugar alone causes diabetes, that only people with obesity are at risk, or that type 2 diabetes is always mild and inevitable with age. In reality, type 2 diabetes arises from a mix of genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors; people at any weight and age can develop it, though excess weight and inactivity increase risk. Untreated diabetes is serious and can damage the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes, but early diagnosis and treatment greatly reduce these risks.