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As Part Of Diabetes Alert Day, Florida Health Officials Encourage Public To Learn About Risks

MGN Online

Tuesday is Diabetes Alert Day, and Florida health officials are encouraging the public to learn about their risk for the disease.

Jamie Forrest with the Florida Department of Health says there are a different types of diabetes for people to be aware of—Type 2 being the most common.

“Type 1 diabetes is something that usually develops early in childhood and it’s where the body is unable to produce insulin to manage blood glucose or blood sugar levels,” said she said. “Type 2 diabetes is something that develops later in life often times, although we’ve seen more cases starting in youth, and it’s preventable and controllable.”

She says people over the age of 45 are at a higher risk.

“The risk of diabetes does increase with age,” Forrest added. “Other risks include being at an unhealthy weight, having a family history of diabetes, and not being physically active.”

Forrest says that risk can be lowered by just staying active and maintaining a healthy diet. For more information, visit healthiestweightflorida.com or DoIHavePrediabetes.org.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.