I have worked at many diabetes screening events where people have avoided me. I’m thinking, especially, of the table set up in the grocery store, where people walk in, see my table, avoid eye contact, and walk the other way.
Then again, a few weeks ago I heard some diabetes statistics and was pleasantly surprised that of the total number of people with diabetes, the percent of those who aren’t aware of it has gone from about 33% to about 27%. That means more people are aware.
But what about risk for diabetes? Are people aware of that? The other day I read this article, which says that many people who are at risk for diabetes don’t know it. Either they aren’t being told, or they aren’t listening (which is certainly not the same as not caring). Regardless, it’s important to know our risks and what we can do about them. Among other risk factors, people who carry extra weight and people who do not participate in physical activity are at risk for diabetes. Getting active and losing weight can help lower that risk.
Just like we don’t enjoy looking at our bank account when we know there’s not much in there, it’s no fun to find out about health risks. But knowledge is power and by knowing we can learn about changes that can improve our long-term health. And small changes count, so we don’t have to be intimidated. Information could save a life.