Take the Test, Stem the Tide.

An American Diabetes Association (ADA) study found that total diabetes costs grew to a staggering $245 billion last year, a 41% increase since the 2007 study. This figure included roughly $69 billion in indirect costs, such as reduced productivity and absenteeism. That translates to 1 out of every 5 dollars spent on caring for the almost 26 million children and adults diagnosed as diabetics.  Factor in the 79 million who are pre-diabetic, and we are facing a financial and health epidemic of epic proportions that must be addressed!  Although nearly one in three Americans is in danger of developing Type 2 diabetes, most are ill-informed about the risks and associated consequences:  heart disease, blindness, stroke, kidney disease and in extreme cases, death.

The ADA’s 25th Annual Alert! Day on March 26th seeks to inform the public about prevention and management of the disease. They are asking everyone to take the Diabetes Risk Test, and as an added incentive,  Boar’s Head, a corporate sponsor of the event, will donate $5  to ADA for every test taken from March 26-April 9, 2013. Although everyone is encouraged to take the test, for certain groups this test could literally change their lives!  Anyone overweight, sedentary, elderly or with a family history of the disease is at higher risk. Certain segments of the population, namely African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, are also more susceptible to acquiring this pervasive disease.

We encourage you to spread the word to family, friends, colleagues and patients.  An informed public is the best way to prevent new cases and stem the financial burden to our system.  Centra supports the efforts of the ADA to decrease the incidence of diabetes in our culture.  If you are an NP, RN, OT or PT interested in helping those already diagnosed, contact one of our outstanding consultants at 800 535 0076 today!