What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

Half of the nearly 16 million Americans who have diabetes don't know it. But early detection of diabetes is critical for preventing or limiting serious health complications of the disease-complications which include blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke and lower limb amputations.

March 25 marks the American Diabetes Association's "Diabetes Alert," a nationwide public awareness day to identify those at risk for the disease. Who is most at risk?

• People who are overweight
• People who don't exercise regularly
• People who are 40 or older
• Women who have given birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds

In addition, your risk increases if you are a member of one of the following ethnic groups:

• African American
• Hispanic
• Native American