Assess Your Risk For Diabetes

Submitted by Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital

The statistics are alarming.  According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the National Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Diabetes affects nearly 26 million people in the United States. This accounts for greater than 8 percent of the U.S. population.  It is estimated that 7 million Americans are currently undiagnosed and yet another 79 million Americans ages 20 and older have pre-diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition that requires close monitoring and management and has many related co-morbidities such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and nerve damage.  Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital has been addressing the diabetes epidemic over the years through community screenings, education and awareness but has taken it to the next level by continuing to offer regular community based screenings.

During the clinics, participants are evaluated on their diabetes risk and counseled by either a nurse or physician with instructions on follow up and offered tools to manage diabetes if necessary. These community clinics will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the Good Shepherd Hospital service area so people can monitor their progress.

The next clinic will be held at 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 24, at the Advocate Good Shepherd Outpatient Center in Crystal Lake, 525 Congress Park Way, Crystal Lake. The cost is $5 and will include a finger stick blood glucose level (12-hour fast is required) and an A1C level.

Participants will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Dr. Daniel So, MD, endocrinologist, or a diabetes educator on the Good Shepherd staff.  Complimentary foot screenings will also be provided for participants.