Diabetes Alert Day

Obesity and sedentary lifestyles are just two red flags type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. A list of symptoms and an online line test are being offered by the diabetes association, which is holding its 21st annual diabetes alert day today as a way of urging people to get checked for diabetes.

Uncontrolled diabetes can result in blindness, amputation, heart disease and kidney failure, according to Anita Smith, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with Southeast Missouri Hospital. "If you have diabetes and it's well controlled, those things don't have to happen," she said.

One in five Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. People in the early stages often don't recognize the symptoms: Frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision.

To learn more, visit the American Diabetes Association website, www.diabetes.org, or see your doctor.