The American Diabetes Association recommends routine blood glucose screenings for everyone, starting at age 45. Pre-diabetes testing is important for anyone with a family history of type 2 diabetes, women with a personal history of gestational diabetes and for those who are obese or have cardio metabolic syndrome.

Steps you can take:

• Partner with your doctor – discuss any symptoms and review both your personal and family medical history

• Eat to prevent diabetes – follow a balanced, nutritious diet and limit portion sizes

• Exercise – 30 minutes of regular exercise most days of the week is recommended

• Lose weight and maintain a healthy weight for your body – excess weight increases blood pressure and works against the action of insulin.

• Stop smoking – if you smoke, do the right thing – quit!

• Reduce alcohol intake – limit alcohol to no more than 1 drink per day

If you already have diabetes, the same preventive measures will also help you manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of health complications down the road. With proper management, diabetes can be controlled…by being on the alert, you can help prevent diabetes from happening to you.