MARRERO, LA – West Jefferson Medical Center will administer free glucose (blood sugar) screenings in observance of Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 28, at Laborie’s Budget Saver, 1951 Barataria Blvd., in Marrero, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
On the fourth Tuesday of every March, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) encourages people to join the Stop Diabetes movement and learn if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. West Jefferson health educators will join thousands around the country in observing this special day and will provide literature on diabetes and risk factors as well answer questions.
The ADA says the disease strikes 29.1 million adults and children in the United States, and one in three Americans have pre-diabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is named the “silent killer” because 8.1 million don’t know they have it. For many, diagnosis may come seven to 10 years after the onset of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.
People encouraged to participate in Diabetes Alert Day include those who are overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over the age of 45.
African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and people who have a family history of the disease also are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
For more information call (504) 349-2222.
