American Diabetes Association Alert Day, observed every fourth Tuesday of March, on March 22 this year, is a part of a movement to create awareness about the ‘silent killer’ that more than 34.2 million Americans are at risk of. Did you know that diabetes mellitus is the primary causative agent of more than nine other serious health complications? Come, join us as we wave a red flag on this day to alert Americans about the potential lethality of this disease.
History of American Diabetes Association Alert Day
Unawareness about diabetes is an epidemic in the United States. A survey conducted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) revealed that around 68% of people did not know that diabetes is closely related to heart diseases, and that stroke is a serious threat to human life. If that isn’t bad enough, it went on to reveal that about 25% of the diabetic population do not even know they have the disease.
The American Diabetes Association, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1940 by six physicians. Together, they strived for one mission alone: educating the masses in the United States about all types of diabetes and helping those affected by it. The organization works to prevent, manage, and cure diabetes with awareness programs, delivering services to communities, and funding research. It receives donations from foundations, companies, and individuals and operates as three different types of categorized organizations — American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Diabetes Association Research Foundation, Inc. (ADARF), and American Diabetes Association Property Title Holding Corp. (ADARTHC).
The ADA created Alert Day as a part of its preventive measures in 1986. Introduced with the vision of dedicating one full day to spread awareness and encourage contribution, the American Diabetes Association Alert Day, observed annually in March, tells the public every year that diabetes ranks as the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
American Diabetes Association Alert Day timeline
Ayurvedic physicians invent the term ‘honey urine’ to diagnose diabetes if urine tastes sweet.
The term ‘diabetes’ is coined by Demetrius of Apamea, a Hellenistic physiologist.
Researchers discover an injection of insulin could increase the life expectancy of patients in a ‘diabetic coma.’
A drug derived from the Gila monster, a venomous lizard, is approved by the FDA to be used for treating type 2 diabetes.
American Diabetes Association Alert Day FAQs
What is the ideal diabetic diet?
Eat mindfully and learn to differentiate between true hunger and psychological desire to eat. Consume fresh vegetables, whole grains, fruits, avocados, nuts, beans, and seafood. Use plant-based oil for cooking and avoid fast food. You are also allowed to have small helpings of sweets once in a while.
How do you know if you are at risk of diabetes?
The easiest way is to get your fasting blood glucose levels checked. If it ranges from 100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl, you’re in the prediabetic stage. Plus, if you start to lose or gain weight abnormally, urinate more often than usual, and always feel thirsty, head over to your doctor immediately.
What is the color for diabetes awareness?
It is red. Feel free to wear a red-colored wristband, lapel pins, a headband, or paint social media red to spread diabetes awareness.
How to Observe American Diabetes Association Alert Day
Take the ADA Diabetes Risk Test
Know your risk before it’s too late to prevent the onset of diabetes. Spare a minute this year on Alert Day and take the Diabetes Risk Test from the official ADA website to get your results online. Remember, one in every four Americans have diabetes and do not know it yet.
Donate for a good cause
A few bucks out of your pocket donated to one of the non-profit diabetes organizations can help accelerate their research, improve their efforts, and help someone with diabetes get their injections free-of-charge.
Spread awareness with social media
What better way to support the mission of the American Diabetes Association than to dedicate one full day to sharing news, updates, and information about diabetes on social media platforms? Play your part to make the #AmericanDiabetesAssociationAlertDay trend!
Why American Diabetes Association Alert Day is Important
Diabetic patients are increasing with time
As of now, more than 10.5% of the United States population is diabetic, whereas those at risk or at the prediabetic stage amounts to approximately 110 million of the total population.
It creeps up without any symptoms
There is a reason why diabetes is known as the silent killer. The human body sometimes shows no symptoms despite blood sugar levels gradually increasing until you are at fatal risk. So being aware of it, finding out about the risks, and getting tested are extremely important.
If caught early, it can be successfully managed
Spreading awareness about diabetes encourages people to take time out to read up on it. People can get tested, get their blood glucose levels checked, and find out valuable information to help in the long run. For instance, did you know eating a cup of beans can lower blood sugar levels and minimize the risk of heart diseases?
American Diabetes Association Alert Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | March 22 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | March 28 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | March 26 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | March 25 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 24 | Tuesday |
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