SACRAMENTO – March 21, 2011 – Californians for Patient Care urges adults in California to take the Diabetes Risk Test, as part of Diabetes Alert Day tomorrow, March 22. The test, which requires answers to a series of health questions, can help people understand their risk of diabetes, including the 79 million Americans that already have prediabetes.

“Californians for Patient Care believes strongly in the value of preventive care and this Diabetes Risk Test is one of the easiest preventive tools to use,” said Carmella Gutierrez, president of Californians for Patient Care. “By taking a few minutes to answer the questions on the test – which is located on our website (www.calpatientcare.org/diabetes-and-you) people can get invaluable information on whether or not they might be at risk for type 2 diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes can keep you from getting type 2 diabetes or or prevent the disease and some of its complications, like heart disease, blindness, kidney disease and stroke.”

Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States. Diabetes is called a “silent killer” because one-quarter of those with the disease do not know they have it. One in three American adults (79 million) has prediabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are several groups that should consider themselves at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, including those who are overweight, African-Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, American Indians, Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders and anyone with a family history of the disease.

“If after taking the test a person determines that he or she is at risk for developing diabetes, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible,” said Gutierrez. “But there are millions of people across our state without adequate health insurance who may think that affordable care is out of their reach. Californians for Patient Care is here to remind everyone that there are thousands of healthcare resources throughout the state providing care at little or no cost to the consumer and that Californians for Patient Care can connect you to those resources.”

People can access Californians for Patient Care’s MyHealthResource guide by clicking on the blue button at www.calpatientcare.org. After typing in basic search information such as city or county and category of resource, Californians can find a comprehensive list of local healthcare providers that provide primary, dental and mental healthcare services to the uninsured and underinsured. Along information on local healthcare service providers, Californians for Patient Care also provides information on chronic disease management, how to shop for health insurance, information on new research studies, and links to helpful organizations and websites.

Californians for Patient Care is a nonprofit organization based in Sacramento dedicated to protecting the interests of patients and ensuring all California consumers have fair and equitable access to high quality healthcare. For more information, visit www.calpatientcare.org.