NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — According to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), nearly 11% of residents have been diagnosed with diabetes. In observance of Diabetes Alert Day on Tuesday, NMDOH is joining the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to encourage residents to take an online risk assessment . City leaders prepare for potential federal funding cuts, selling city assets on the table The free test on the ADA website takes about 60 seconds to complete. Upon finishing, the website offers prevention tips. If someone is found to be at high risk, they will be encouraged to talk to their healthcare providers about their next steps. “Type 2 diabetes develops when blood sugar levels are too high,” said NMDOH Director of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health Lindsey Goodhue. “Over time, unmanaged high blood sugar can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, nerve damage, vision loss and kidney disease.”  Over 15% of New Mexico residents were told by their doctor they have prediabetes in 2023. This means a higher-than-normal blood sugar level, but not quite high enough to constitute a diabetes diagnosis. NMDOH shared these risk factors for developing both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: Family history of diabetes Higher body weight Increasing age Smoking  Lack of physical activity High blood pressure History of gestational diabetes NMDOH says many people with prediabetes will develop type 2 within five years unless they take steps to intervene. That can look like losing weight, eating healthier, and exercising regularly. You can take the diabetes risk assessment at this link. ...read more read less