Published: November 02, 2009 08:49 am      

Take control of diabetes

Free screenings, testing available

A 2006 survey showed that nearly one is 10 Kentuckians was diagnosed with diabetes, ranking the state seventh in the nation.

For Kentuckians age 65 or older, almost one in five have the disease, according to information from the Madison County Diabetes Coalition.

However, those were only the diagnosed cases. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes that 29 percent of diabetes incidents go undiagnosed.

Diabetes is deadly. It is the state’s sixth leading cause of death, according to the coalition. It also is costly. Seven years ago, the cost for treating diabetics in Kentucky was $2.9 billion.

However, the disease is not only controllable; it also is preventable, said Kim DeCoste, a nurse and dietician who works for the coalition.

This Saturday, the coalition will join Eastern Kentucky University’s baccalaureate nursing students in offering free information, screenings and other services to help diabetics control their disease and prevent its onset in others at risk for diabetes.

Diabetes Prevention and Awareness Day will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Richmond’s First Christian Church.

Activities will include a number of free screenings:

• Diabetic foot checks

• Blood pressure screening

• Body mass index readings

• Carbon monoxide testing

• Derma scans to indicate sun damage.

The foot checks are among the most popular screenings at the fair, DeCoste said.

“Diabetes is the leading cause of lower extremity amputations,” she said. “For some diabetics, a small wound could turn into something really dangerous.”

"Early detection and awareness of diabetes is very important," DeCoste said. “If you are tired, thirsty, have to go to the bathroom all the time, you should come Saturday for a screening. Those are all signs of high blood sugar.”

Because diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease, the health fair is including screenings through the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Early Evaluation Program for anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease.

While walk-ins will be welcomed, kidney screening appointments are encouraged, DeCoste said. They can be made by calling 1-800-737-5433 toll-free.

Door prizes will be given away, and the fair will have the latest products for diabetics on exhibit, she said.

The event also would be a good time to get more details and sign up for the free diabetes control or prevention classes offered by the Madison Health Department’s Diabetes Center for Excellence, DeCoste said.

The next diabetes prevention class is scheduled for Monday evening, Dec. 7.

Diabetes self-management classes are next scheduled for the afternoons of Tuesday and Thursday, Dec. 15 and 17.

More details and appointment for the classes also can be obtained by calling 623-3462.

The Diabetes Coalition is organizing special activities for World Diabetes Day, Saturday, Nov. 14.

At the EKU Colonel’s football game that day, 100 blue flags will be displayed. Each will represent 50 Madison County residents who live with diabetes.

Also that evening, Irvinton, the historic home in Irvine-McDowell Park will be bathed in blue light.

Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.