My friend had some of the risk factors for diabetes. He wasn't physically active and was overweight. It took all of us getting on his case to get him to the doctor and eventually get screened for diabetes. Getting diagnosed with type 2 diabetes was a huge wake-up call for him and gave him the motivation to start making positive changes to improve his health. Now, he's a completely different person - both physically and mentally. He walks every day and watches what he eats.

Even though I work out regularly and eat healthy - it's part of my job description - my friend's diagnosis taught me that type 2 diabetes can creep up on you. I make it a point to go to my healthcare professional and get checked every year.

We're all busy - between work, family, friends, life - but you can always find a minute to ask. That's all it takes to check your risk for diabetes.

My friend's diagnosis taught me that type 2 diabetes can creep up on you.

If you're 45 or older, talk to your healthcare professional about getting screened for diabetes. You can't know unless you ask, and the earlier you know, the more you can do to stay healthy.

Actor Chris Noth and Novo Nordisk, a world leader in diabetes care, have teamed up for Ask.Screen.Know., a national program dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits of early diabetes screening and detection.

Diabetes is an epidemic. Nearly 1 in 12 Americans has diabetes, but nearly 1 in 3 doesn't know it. The good news is that with early detection and treatment, the serious health complications of diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

If you're 45 or older, take a minute out of your hectic schedule to talk to your healthcare professional about getting screened for diabetes.

Nearly 1 in 12 Americans has diabetes, but nearly 1 in 3 doesn't know it.