On Tuesday, the American Diabetes Association will "Sound the Alert" about diabetes and Liberty Regional Medical Center will respond.
It is the 20th annual American Diabetes Alert Day. Diabetes is a devastating disease that affects nearly 21 million Americans. In Georgia it affects 9.1 percent of the population.
The hospital, at 463 E.G. Miles Parkway in Hinesville will offer free blood glucose screenings from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Almost one-third of those affected by diabetes are not aware of it.
To help people better recognize their own risk for type 2 diabetes, the ADA provides a simple, seven-question pencil and paper diabetes risk test. The risk test, in English or Spanish, is available by calling toll-free at 1-888-342-2383 or can be taken online at www.diabetes.org/alert.
Among the primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes are being overweight, sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a family history of diabetes.
Some people with undiagnosed diabetes may notice these warning signs: Going to the bathroom often; Feeling hungry or thirsty all the time; Blurred vision that comes and goes; Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal; Feeling tired all the time; Hands or feet that tingle or feel numb; Sudden weight loss and/or Skin, gum or bladder infections that keep coming back. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
"With early detection and treatment, diabetes can be managed, and its devastating complications can be prevented or delayed," said Paula Kreissler, chairman of ADA's Savannah Leadership Council.
It is the 20th annual American Diabetes Alert Day. Diabetes is a devastating disease that affects nearly 21 million Americans. In Georgia it affects 9.1 percent of the population.
The hospital, at 463 E.G. Miles Parkway in Hinesville will offer free blood glucose screenings from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Almost one-third of those affected by diabetes are not aware of it.
To help people better recognize their own risk for type 2 diabetes, the ADA provides a simple, seven-question pencil and paper diabetes risk test. The risk test, in English or Spanish, is available by calling toll-free at 1-888-342-2383 or can be taken online at www.diabetes.org/alert.
Among the primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes are being overweight, sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a family history of diabetes.
Some people with undiagnosed diabetes may notice these warning signs: Going to the bathroom often; Feeling hungry or thirsty all the time; Blurred vision that comes and goes; Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal; Feeling tired all the time; Hands or feet that tingle or feel numb; Sudden weight loss and/or Skin, gum or bladder infections that keep coming back. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
"With early detection and treatment, diabetes can be managed, and its devastating complications can be prevented or delayed," said Paula Kreissler, chairman of ADA's Savannah Leadership Council.