Take the Risk Test for American Diabetes Association Alert Day® Published March 25, 2015 By TRICARE WASHINGTON -- American Diabetes Association Alert Day® is a one-day "wake-up call" asking the American public to take the diabetes risk test to find out if they are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Tuesday, March 24, 2015, TRICARE asks beneficiaries to get involved and learn if they are at risk by being screened. Diabetes is often misunderstood, and many people are not aware that they are at risk for developing this disease. It is important for beneficiaries to know if they are at risk for developing diabetes, because it can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations. People at risk for Type 2 diabetes often have increased blood glucose levels, not high enough to classify them as diabetic but high enough to indicate that they might be having trouble properly processing sugar (glucose). TRICARE beneficiaries should talk to their primary care manager about getting tested to see if they have prediabetes symptoms. The test consists of questions about the participant's weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors. It only takes 60 seconds, and everyone who takes part will receive tips on prevention. Anyone with high risks for Type 2 diabetes should to talk to their health care provider as soon as possible. Beneficiaries can find the test and more information about diabetes alert day on the American Diabetes Association website. Even though Alert Day is a one-day event, the diabetes risk test is available year-round. TRICARE covers screenings for Type 2 diabetes, as well as diabetic supplies, equipment, medications and additional diabetic services if ordered by a physician. A doctor or primary care manager can conduct screenings, answer any questions, explain what a diagnosis means and provide details about treatment. Please visit us online to learn more about TRICARE's diabetic coverage.