Mahaska Health Partnership to offer Free Blood Sugar Testing
Mahaska Health Partnership - Hospital (photo - D.Hubbard)
MAHASKA COUNTY – Mahaska Health Partnership Certified Diabetes Educator Sharon Ferguson will be offering free blood sugar screenings on Tuesday, May 15.
“I am very excited to partner with both Mahaska Drug and HyVee to offer free blood sugar testing,” Ferguson said. “One of the first indicators of diabetes is elevated blood sugar. However, that is not a standard test as part of a regular work-up or physical.”
According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.6 million people in the United States have diabetes. “Of those people, 5.7 million don’t know they have the disease but are probably experiencing early warning signs,” Ferguson stressed.
Ferguson explained that early warning signs of diabetes include frequent urination, being very thirsty or very hungry, fatigue, being irritable, losing weight and blurry vision. “Early intervention is the key to preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes and for keeping the disease under control,” Ferguson said.
The free blood sugar screenings will be held at Mahaska Drug from 10 am to 1 pm and at HyVee from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday, May 15. Attendees will also benefit from free diabetic shoe fitting and the chance to receive a new home glucose testing kit. “At HyVee, MHP Registered Dietitian Lea Rice will also be joining me to answer questions about healthy eating for people with diabetes,” Ferguson said.
The American Diabetes Association states that most people who develop Type 2 diabetes almost always have pre-diabetes first. “Pre-diabetes refers to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes,” Ferguson said.
“Diet and exercise are the best defense against Type 2 diabetes. Making healthy food choices, getting regular exercise and trying to lose weight are all ways a person can reduce their risk,” Ferguson stressed. “Having your blood sugar checked is the first step.”
For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.
