Free Screening Aims to Find Undiagnosed and Unrecognized Diabetes

Incidence of the disease is increasing, particularly in Native, African and Hispanic Americans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 18, 2005

(Las Vegas, Nev., – March 18, 2005) – The Southern Nevada Health District and community partner agencies are teaming to offer free diabetes screening Saturday, March 19, from 8:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. at the Vons Pharmacy at 1601 W. Craig Rd. in North Las Vegas.*

According to a 2002 Community Health Survey, roughly 8 percent of Clark County adults have been diagnosed with diabetes. However, on average, 29 percent of adults with diabetes do not know they have the disease.

“Advances in diabetes research have led to better ways to manage the disease and prevent serious complications,” said Dr. Donald Kwalick, chief hea lth officer for the district.“Everyone should learn their diabetes status and risk factors, so they can take appropriate actions to preserve their health,” said Kwalick.

Diabetes is one of the most common and serious diseases in the United States, ranking as the sixth leading cause of death. The incidence of the disease is continuing to rise, driven by the aging U.S. population, growth in minority populations most susceptible to the disease, and the obesity epidemic among Americans.

Diabetes impacts the body’s ability to effectively utilize glucose (blood sugar). High levels of glucose in the blood stream can cause serious health conditions including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-limb (primarily foot) amputations. However, with early detection and relatively simple lifestyle interventions, the disease can be managed.

For more information, the public may contact the Southern Nevada Health District Office of Health Education and Promotion at (702) 759-1271.

* Please note: for accurate results, people who wish to be screened should fast for eight hours prior to taking the screening test.

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The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.