Campaign reveals risks of pre diabetes

Calculating the risk of becoming pre diabetic may become as simple as watching TV. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) teamed with the Ad Council to raise awareness for pre diabetes, a condition that is estimated to affect one in three Americans. 

According to the ADA, while many are familiar with type 2 diabetes, fewer are aware of pre diabetes, a serious health condition that affects 86 million Americans and often leads to type 2 diabetes. People with pre-diabetes usually have no symptoms, but do have a higher than normal blood glucose (sugar) levels.  

Nearly 90-percent of people with pre diabetes don't know they have it and aren't aware of the long-term risks to their health, including type 2 diabetes, heart attack, kidney failure, dementia and stroke.  It has also been associated with increased risk for certain types of cancers. 

Current trends suggest that, if not treated, 15- to 30-percent of people with pre diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.

The good news is that pre diabetes often can be reversed through weight loss, diet changes and increased physical activity.

Diagnosis is key. Research shows once people are aware of their condition, they are much more likely to make the necessary lifestyle changes to ward off type 2 diabetes and other ailments associated with pre diabetes.

The Ad Council's campaign includes a public service announcement allowing viewers to figure out their risk in 60 seconds.

DoIHavePrediabetes.org - This website features and online test, lifestyle tips and links to CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program, which includes a registry of CDC-recognized programs across the country. 

Below are programs in the Tampa Bay area

Tampa

TGH Community Health Education Center located at Tampa General Medical Group
Family Care Center Lois
Wednesdays, Jan. 6 - April 20, 2016
2106 S. Lois Ave.
Tampa, FL 33629
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Program
To register, visit www.tgh.org or call 1-800-822-3627
https://www.tgh.org/wp-content/uploads/Comm-Health-Ed16-Q1_web-FINAL.pdf

Hillsborough County Health Department
4704-B W. Montgomery Ave.
Tampa, FL 33616
(813) 307-8071

Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
110 E. Oak Ave.
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 922-2808

St. Pete

Jim and Heather Gills YMCA
3200 1st Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 328-9622

Clearwater -
Clearwater YMCA
1005 South Highland Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 461-9622

High Point YMCA
5345 Laurel Pl.
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 507-9622

YMCA of the Suncoast
246 Enterprise Rd.
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 467-9622

Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center
1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 284-1604
Bardmoor YMCA
8495 Bryan Dairy Rd.
Largo, FL 33777
(727) 394-9622

Greater Ridgecrest YMCA
1801 119th St., North
Largo, FL 33778
(727) 559-0500

University of Florida IFAS Extension
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774
(727) 582-2100
Diabetes Empowerment Foundation
9100 113th St., North
Seminole, FL 33772
(727) 290-2548

The Network Builders Team
2205 Oak Cliff Ct.
Valrico, FL 33596
(813) 530-5465