Free Diabetes Screening and Education Set for Nov. 20 at White Medical Clinic

White Medical Clinic will hold a free diabetes screening and education session on Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. in observation of American Diabetes Month.

“25.8 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes,” said Karen Bumann, certified physician assistant at White Medical Clinic. “Another 7 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and are undiagnosed, and 79 million people have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It is important that our community learn about and get screened for this disease that can cause multiple complications and be potentially deadly.”

Attendees will be screened for blood glucose levels and have their blood pressure checked. Fasting is not required for the glucose test. Recommendations and referrals will be given if an attendee’s glucose level or blood pressure is elevated.

In addition to the screening, diabetes education will be offered to help attendees identify the risk factors for developing diabetes, learn how to reduce their risk of developing diabetes and diabetes symptoms, and understand more about pre-diabetes and signs of diabetes.

All community members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact White Medical Clinic at (605) 629-3333.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed Brookview Manor nursing home, and Brookhaven Estates apartments. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock medical-nursing care for patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.