March 22, 2016

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RAISES AWARENESS ABOUT DIABETES RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla.—Today is Diabetes Alert Day, and the Florida Department of Health encourages residents and visitors to learn about their risk for type 2 diabetes and take steps to reduce this risk. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and can affect people of any age. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be significantly reduced by achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

“It is important for Floridians to know their risk for diabetes,” said Interim State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip. “By eating well, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight, residents can take positive steps to prevent or reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.”

It is important to know that there are four types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, commonly diagnosed in children and young adults, is a condition where the body does not produce insulin to control glucose levels. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women and can put both mother and child at risk for type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes means glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to indicate a diagnosis of diabetes. With healthy habits, diet and exercise, your risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes can be reduced and the disease can be prevented.

You are at higher risk of having prediabetes or type 2 diabetes if you:

• Are 45 years of age or older;
• Are at an unhealthy weight;
• Have a family member with diabetes;
• Have family background that is African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander; and
• Are physically active less than three times a week.

The department’s Healthiest Weight Florida initiative works to decrease chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes by encouraging active and healthy lifestyles. For more about Healthiest Weight Florida, visit healthiestweightflorida.com. To take a simple quiz about your risk, visit DoIHavePrediabetes.org

For additional information about all types of diabetes, be sure to visit the department’s diabetes page.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.