Ministry Medical Group to Offer Free Diabetes Screenings in Rib Mountain on January 20, 2010

According to the American Diabetes Association, 23-percent of children and adults in the United States have diabetes.

While that may seem alarming, nearly six-million people are unaware they have this disease.

In an effort to aid in the early detection and prevention of diabetes, Ministry Medical Group in Rib Mountain will provide free diabetic screenings on Wednesday, January 20 from 3 to 6 p.m. at 3301 Rib Mountain Drive.

Ministry Medical Group Family Medicine Specialists will join with podiatrist Dr. Jeff Chism, from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center to offer blood pressure and blood sugar testing, foot examinations, nutrition information and diabetes consultation.

“Diabetes is a condition that if detected early, it can be managed and treated effectively,” said Ministry Medical Group Family Medicine Specialist Bruce Homa, M.D. “These screenings will provide a valuable resource for those who might have questions or have a family history of diabetes.”

Diabetic nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness in the feet; persons unable to feel cuts and blisters are more likely to get sores and infections. Unnoticed or untreated sores can become deeply infected, and may lead to amputation. A sad reality: having a toe, foot, or lower leg surgically removed is 10 times more likely in people with diabetes.

“Foot examinations can play an important role in the early detection of diabetes,” said Chism. “Diabetes can reduce blood flow to your feet, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients, making it more difficult for blisters, sores, and cuts to heal.”

This is a free screening, but advanced registration is requested by calling Ministry Medical Group in Rib Mountain at 715.393.3900.