Tomorrow is World Diabetes Day; Get Screened

In observance of November 14 as World Diabetes Day, a coalition of local health agencies is encouraging everyone to complete a new online screening tool to find out if they may have diabetes or prediabetes. Anyone scoring high on the screening will be directed to resources and providers for follow-up testing and care.

People can access the quick, simple 7-question screening at http://www.gohealthshare.com.  The screening takes less than three minutes to complete. Those with a score of five or higher may be at risk for diabetes or prediabetes.  The screening will direct them to contact Metro United Way 211, where they will be referred to a provider for further testing and treatment.

Organizations participating in the coalition include the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, the Kentuckiana Health Collaborative, Metro United Way, the YMCA of Greater Louisville, the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA), Norton Office of Faith and Health Ministries and U of L Physicians.

Diabetes is the seventh leading killer in Kentucky. Yet, nearly one out of every three people in Kentucky who has diabetes doesn’t know they have it, and nine out of every 10 people with prediabetes doesn’t know they have it.

Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to very serious health consequences – the amputation of limbs, sores that don’t heal, heart attack and even death.  Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Diagnosed early, however, it can be managed and the person can lead a long productive life.  Similarly, if a person has prediabetes, lifestyle changes and monitoring can help to prevent the condition from developing into full-scale diabetes.

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness has a certified diabetes educator and free classes to help those with diabetes manage it successfully.  Contact us at 502.574.6663.