The prevalence of diabetes in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. The typical high-calorie, low-exercise American lifestyle has become a driving factor in this unfortunate health crisis.
You can see if you’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes by taking the 2-minute Diabetes Risk Test at http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/alert-day/.  Answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors, add up your score and then check the preventive tips at the end. For every test taken through April 25th, Boar’s Head Brand® will donate $5 to the American Diabetes Association, up to $50,000. You can help yourself and help a good cause with one click!

Five Fast Facts About Diabetes
• Nearly 26 million children and adults in the US have diabetes, and about 25% of them don’t know they have it.
• African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, and the aged population are at a higher risk for developing diabetes.
• Caren Bryant, certified diabetes educator at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says those who sit at a desk most of the day, don’t get much exercise and don’t eat a healthy diet are also at high risk.
• In type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin allows the body to be able to use glucose for energy rather than having the insulin build up in the blood.
• Complications from diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, blindness and a number of life-threatening medical complications.

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