Get screened, get schooled on diabetes

First, the bad news: An estimated 26 million Americans, roughly 10% of the adult population, are currently living with diabetes. Here in L.A. County, the number’s even higher—roughly one out of seven. That’s a potentially serious problem, since uncontrolled diabetes can impair blood circulation so severely that amputation becomes necessary. It can also cause blindness or life-threatening insulin shock, when falling blood-sugar levels can lead to unconsciousness and death.

There is good news, though: most new cases are Type 2 diabetes, which is far less dangerous and can be controlled with proper diet, exercise and medication.

And this weekend, there’s even more good news: the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Expo is happening at the downtown Los Angeles Convention Center. There you’ll find free professional health screenings for blood glucose and cholesterol along with dental screenings and foot exams. There also will be cooking demos, fitness and dance classes and expert speakers on every facet of diabetes, from “Diabetes 101” to “Diabetes and Your Child,” with bilingual presentations in English and Spanish.

It takes place this Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Convention Center’s South Hall K, located at 1201 S. Figueroa St. Visit the Association EXPO page for more information or call 1-888-DIABETES, ext:7503. If you take public transportation (visit Metro trip planner at metro.net or call (323) GO-METRO), you can enter your ticket stub in a special prize raffle.

Posted 5/18/11