Lions promote diabetes awareness

The Hudson Sunrise Lions are making available a Diabetes Risk Test for individuals to assess their personal risk of contracting the disease. November is Diabetes Awareness Month.

Project Chair Dianne Evert is posting a flyer locally that can be used by anyone concerned about their personal situation.

“Our goal is to educate and encourage those at risk to consult with their health care provider to determine for sure that they may have diabetes,” Evert said. “Numbers of people afflicted with this chronic disease increase dramatically each year. About 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, the severe consequences of which may be delayed or prevented through increased awareness and understanding which results in lifestyle changes.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, the disease causes more deaths each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined, and two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Numerous other consequences may arise from the disease including eye, foot, and skin complications.

The Risk Test factors in key indicators: age, weight and heredity in particular. Those over age 65, for example, are at much greater risk than the population in general. Once a person has determined his personal risk level, treatment and lifestyle adjustments can prevent or delay onset of the disease.

Lions International has traditionally been a leader in preventing blindness and other eye disease. With diabetes a leading cause of eye problems, it receives a high profile in this world-wide service group.

For more information or to obtain a risk test questionnaire, contact Dianne Evert at TheSunriseLions@gmail.com.

Tags: hudson sunrise lions, diabetes risk test, diabetes awareness month, lifestyle,  health