As part of its CheckUp America® campaign, the American Diabetes Association has released two new brochures designed to help people stay well when dealing with diabetes and its complications, as well as other diseases.

“Gestational Diabetes and Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes” covers both the risks pregnant women with gestational diabetes face and the greater risk such women have after the birth of a child for developing type 2 diabetes. Designed for women who previously have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, or GDM, the brochure offers tips on lowering risk factors for type 2. These include managing weight, lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and blood pressure, and quitting smoking. Other key action items include breast-feeding and getting tested for type 2 regularly.

“What You Need to Know: Diabetes and Cancer” is directed specifically toward people who have type 2 diabetes, who may be at a higher risk for cancers of the liver, pancreas, uterus, colon, breast, and bladder. The brochure points out risk factors, including age, that you can’t control for both type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, as well as factors that are in your power to change: weight, meal plan, and exercise. Losing and maintaining weight, eating healthfully, and getting more physical activity are all ways to help prevent cancer and diabetes complications.

The bilingual pamphlets, in English and Spanish, are available free of charge by calling 1-800-DIABETES  (1-800-342-2383), or at checkupamerica.org.