RELEASE: Quick online test checks your diabetes risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2025

Quick online test checks your diabetes risk

Small lifestyle changes can prevent life-altering disease

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) joins the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in recognizing Diabetes Alert Day on Tuesday, March 25.

Nearly 11% of New Mexicans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and NMDOH encourages all New Mexicans to take a free, quick and easy type 2 diabetes risk test online. The test, available on the ADA website , takes about 60 seconds to complete.

Once you get your results, you’ll receive helpful prevention tips—and if you are high risk, talk to your health care provider about next steps.

“Type 2 diabetes develops when blood sugar levels are too high,” said Lindsey Goodhue , NMDOH Director of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health. “Over time, unmanaged high blood sugar can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, nerve damage, vision loss and kidney disease.”

As of 2023, 15.4% of New Mexicans have been told by their doctor they have prediabetes. Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Some key risk factors for developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes include:

Family history of diabetes.

Higher body weight.

Increasing age.

Smoking.

Lack of physical activity.

High blood pressure.

History of gestational diabetes.

Without intervention, many people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. However, early detection and lifestyle changes—like losing weight, eating a healthier diet, and getting regular exercise—can help reverse prediabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes altogether.

To learn more, visit the Paths to Health NM webpage or call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).

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NMHealth

David Barre, Communications Coordinator | david.barre@doh.nm.gov | (505) 699-9237

NMHealth works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, DOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 24 Native American Tribes, Pueblos and Nations.

New Mexico Department of Health | 1190 S St Francis Dr | Santa Fe, NM 87505 US

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