In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, Diabetes Awareness and Prevention Day will be held at Clarion Community Medicine–UPMC on Wednesday, March 28, from 4-6 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, will feature free consultations with Stephen Mitrosky, DO, Internal Medicine Physician, and Donna Tarleton, MSN, Nurse Diabetes Educator. There will be free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, as well as Body Mass Index calculation.
Screening for diabetes, pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome in people at risk is an important part of detection and assessment for future risk for heart disease and stroke. Testing should be considered in all adults who are overweight (BMI greater than or equal to 25) and have any of the following risk factors:
- physical inactivity
- first-degree relative with diabetes
- high-risk race/ethnicity (e.g., African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
- women who delivered a baby weighing more than nine lbs. or were diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
- hypertension
- HDL cholesterol level less than 35 and/or a triglyceride level greater than 250
- women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- history of cardiovascular disease
In the absence of the above criteria, testing for diabetes should begin at age 45 years. If results are normal, testing should be repeated at least at 3-year intervals, with consideration of more frequent testing depending on initial results and risk status.
Registration is not required; walk-ins are welcome. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information, please call Clarion Community Medicine–UPMC, 22681 Route 68, Clarion, at 814-227-1221.
